Product classification

HS code for Aluminum ore: 2606.00

Aluminium ores and concentrates.

Classification of aluminum ore under HS 2606.00

Aluminum ore, predominantly bauxite, is classified under Harmonized System (HS) code 260600, which specifically designates "Aluminium ores and concentrates." This classification is precise because bauxite is the primary naturally occurring raw material from which aluminum metal is extracted. Ores are defined within the HS nomenclature as naturally occurring mineral aggregates containing valuable metals or non-metals that can be economically extracted. Bauxite, consisting mainly of aluminum hydroxide minerals like gibbsite, boehmite, and diaspore, perfectly aligns with this definition. Chapter 26 of the HS system is dedicated to "Ores, slag and ash," providing a clear framework for distinguishing raw mineral resources from processed metals or chemical compounds. The classification ensures consistent global trade identification for this fundamental industrial commodity.

Covers
  • Bauxite (raw and calcined)
  • Lateritic bauxite
  • Gibbsite ore
  • Boehmite ore
  • Diaspore ore
  • Beneficiated aluminum ore concentrates
Also under 2606.00
  • Alcoa's bauxite
  • Rio Tinto Alcan bauxite
  • Rusal's bauxite
  • South32's Worsley bauxite

Codes often confused with 2606.00

Common mistake. Common misclassifications for aluminum ore often involve distinguishing it from its processed derivatives or the final metal product. HS code 281820, covering "Aluminium oxide, other than artificial corundum," is frequently confused. However, 281820 refers to refined alumina (aluminum oxide), which is an intermediate chemical compound produced from bauxite through the Bayer process, not the raw ore itself. Another common error is classifying aluminum ore under HS code 7601, which pertains to "Unwrought aluminium." This code is reserved for primary aluminum metal in its unworked forms, such as ingots, billets, or slabs, representing a manufactured product rather than the naturally occurring ore. Accurate classification is crucial to differentiate between raw materials, intermediate chemicals, and finished metals.

2818.20Aluminium oxide; other than artificial corundum76.01Aluminium; unwrought

Top exporters and importers of HS 260600 (the code used for aluminum ore), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 260600 (the code used for aluminum ore) in UN Comtrade data was Guinea, with about 77% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 89% 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 260600, not only aluminum ore.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Guinea* ~$13.0B
  2. 2 Australia $2.3B
  3. 3 Guyana* ~$316M

World total: $16.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $15.8B
  2. 2 India $464M
  3. 3 Ireland $304M

World total: $17.9B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 codes for aluminum ore

Brazil splits HS 2606.00 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about aluminum ore

What is the HS code for Aluminum ore?

The HS code for Aluminum ore is 260600 (Aluminium ores and concentrates). The HS code for Aluminum ore is 260600, which specifically covers "Aluminium ores and concentrates." This code is used for the raw mineral material.

How do I classify Aluminum ore for customs?

Aluminum ore is classified under HS code 260600 — Aluminium ores and concentrates. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the primary difference between aluminum ore and alumina?

Aluminum ore, primarily bauxite, is the naturally occurring raw mineral. Alumina (aluminum oxide) is a refined chemical compound extracted from bauxite, serving as an intermediate product in the industrial process of producing aluminum metal.

Which countries are the top exporters of aluminum ore (HS 260600)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 260600 (the code used for aluminum ore) in UN Comtrade data were Guinea (about $13.0B, 77% of world exports), Australia ($2.3B) and Guyana (about $316M). World exports came to about $16.7B, 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 aluminum ore (HS 260600)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 260600 (the code used for aluminum ore) in UN Comtrade data were China ($15.8B, 89% of world imports), India ($464M) and Ireland ($304M). World imports came to about $17.9B, 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 Aluminum ore the same in all countries?

The base HS code 260600 for Aluminum ore 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 aluminum ore in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 260600 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for aluminum ore depends on the product's details: 2606.00.11 (Bauxite, not calcined), 2606.00.12 (Calcined bauxite), 2606.00.90 (Other aluminium ores and concentrates).