Product classification
HS code for Alloy steel wire: 7229.90
Steel, alloy, wire, of materials other than silico-manganese steel.
Classification of alloy steel wire under HS 7229.90
Alloy steel wire is classified under HS code 722990. This classification specifically covers wire made from alloy steel, with the important exclusion of wire made from silico-manganese steel. The term "alloy steel" indicates that the wire's composition includes specific alloying elements in defined proportions, which impart enhanced properties such as increased strength, corrosion resistance, or heat resistance, distinguishing it from non-alloy steel wire. "Wire" generally refers to a drawn product of relatively small cross-section, typically supplied in coils. The residual nature of "90" in 722990 signifies that it encompasses all other types of alloy steel wire not specifically enumerated in other subheadings of 7229, particularly excluding silico-manganese steel wire.
- Covers
- Stainless steel wire
- Tool steel wire
- High-speed steel wire
- Other alloy steel wires (excluding silico-manganese steel wire)
- Also under 7229.90
- Sandvik stainless steel wire
- Lincoln Electric alloy welding wire
- Carpenter Technology specialty alloy wire
- Bekaert high-performance wire
Codes often confused with 7229.90
Common mistake. Common misclassification occurs with HS code 722920, which specifically covers wire of silico-manganese steel. This is the primary exclusion for 722990, so careful identification of the alloy type is critical. Another area of confusion can be with HS code 7217, which covers wire of iron or non-alloy steel. The distinction here is fundamental: 722990 is exclusively for alloy steel wire, while 7217 is for non-alloy steel. Furthermore, 7228 covers bars and rods of alloy steel; the difference between "wire" and "bars/rods" is typically based on cross-sectional dimensions and how the product is supplied (coils for wire, straight lengths for bars/rods).
Top exporters and importers of HS 722990 (the code used for alloy steel wire), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 722990 (the code used for alloy steel wire) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 13% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 722990, not only alloy steel wire.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $226M 13% of world exports
- 2 Japan $208M 12% of world exports
- 3 Germany $198M 12% of world exports
World total: $1.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $227M 13% of world imports
- 2 Poland $124M 7.2% of world imports
- 3 United States $120M 6.9% of world imports
World total: $1.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for alloy steel wire
Brazil classifies alloy steel wire under NCM 7229.90.00: HS 7229.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product falls under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Importers to the EU must declare embedded carbon emissions and purchase CBAM certificates.
Questions about alloy steel wire
What is the HS code for Alloy steel wire?
The HS code for Alloy steel wire is 722990 (Steel, alloy; wire, of materials other than silico-manganese steel).
How do I classify Alloy steel wire for customs?
Alloy steel wire is classified under HS code 722990 — Steel, alloy; wire, of materials other than silico-manganese steel. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for Alloy steel wire (excluding silico-manganese)?
The HS code for alloy steel wire, excluding wire of silico-manganese steel, is 722990.
How is "wire" distinguished from "bars and rods" in HS classification?
In HS classification, "wire" (typically under headings like 7217 or 7229) generally refers to products of a relatively small, uniform cross-section, usually supplied in coils. "Bars and rods" (e.g., under 7214, 7215, 7227, 7228) typically have larger cross-sectional dimensions and are often supplied in straight lengths, though some smaller bars may also be coiled. The specific definitions and typical dimensions can vary by national interpretation and product standards.
Which countries are the top exporters of alloy steel wire (HS 722990)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 722990 (the code used for alloy steel wire) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($226M, 13% of world exports), Japan ($208M) and Germany ($198M). World exports came to about $1.7B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of alloy steel wire (HS 722990)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 722990 (the code used for alloy steel wire) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($227M, 13% of world imports), Poland ($124M) and the United States ($120M). World imports came to about $1.7B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Is the HS code for Alloy steel wire the same in all countries?
The base HS code 722990 for Alloy steel wire is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for alloy steel wire in Brazil?
In Brazil, alloy steel wire (HS 722990) is classified under NCM 7229.90.00.