Product classification
HS code for Expanded steel: 7314.50
Iron or steel, expanded metal.
Classification of expanded steel under HS 7314.50
Expanded steel is classified under HS code 7314.50, which is situated within Chapter 73 of the Harmonized System, covering articles of iron or steel. Heading 7314 is a broad category that includes cloth, grill, netting, and fencing made of iron or steel wire, as well as expanded metal. The classification of expanded steel is determined by its unique manufacturing process, which distinguishes it from other types of mesh or grill. Expanded metal is produced by taking a solid sheet or strip of iron or steel and passing it through a machine that simultaneously slits and stretches the material. This process expands the metal into a network of interconnected strands, typically forming diamond-shaped openings. Unlike woven wire (7314.12) or welded wire (7314.20), expanded metal is made from a single piece of material without any joins, welds, or weaves. This structural characteristic provides a high strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for industrial applications such as walkways, safety barriers, and reinforcement in concrete. Subheading 7314.50 is the specific destination for this material regardless of whether it is in rolls or sheets, and regardless of whether it has been further processed by flattening or coating. It is critical to differentiate expanded metal from perforated metal. Perforated metal is created by punching holes out of a sheet, which results in a loss of material, whereas expanded metal is created by stretching, which results in no material waste.
- Covers
- Expanded steel mesh
- Diamond mesh steel sheets
- Raised expanded metal
- Flattened expanded steel
- Also under 7314.50
- McNichols Co. expanded metal
- Nucor expanded metal
- Expanded Metal Company
- Grating Pacific expanded metal
- Metalex expanded metal
Codes often confused with 7314.50
Common mistake. Expanded steel is often misclassified as welded wire mesh (7314.20) or woven cloth (7314.14). However, the lack of separate wires joined together makes 7314.50 the only correct code. It is also confused with perforated steel, which is classified under 7210 or 7326 depending on the level of fabrication.
Top exporters and importers of HS 731450 (the code used for expanded steel), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 731450 (the code used for expanded steel) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 731450, not only expanded steel.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $115M 32% of world exports
- 2 Italy $66M 19% of world exports
- 3 Mexico $27M 7.7% of world exports
World total: $353M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $44M 13% of world imports
- 2 France $34M 9.9% of world imports
- 3 Germany $25M 7.1% of world imports
World total: $346M 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 expanded steel
Brazil classifies expanded steel under NCM 7314.50.00: HS 7314.50 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about expanded steel
What is the HS code for Expanded steel?
The HS code for Expanded steel is 731450 (Iron or steel; expanded metal). The HS code for expanded metal made of iron or steel is 7314.50.
How do I classify Expanded steel for customs?
Expanded steel is classified under HS code 731450 — Iron or steel; expanded metal. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the code change if the steel is galvanized?
No, expanded steel remains under 7314.50 even if it is galvanized, painted, or plastic-coated, as the manufacturing method (expanding) defines the subheading.
Which countries are the top exporters of expanded steel (HS 731450)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 731450 (the code used for expanded steel) in UN Comtrade data were China ($115M, 32% of world exports), Italy ($66M) and Mexico ($27M). World exports came to about $353M, 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 expanded steel (HS 731450)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 731450 (the code used for expanded steel) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($44M, 13% of world imports), France ($34M) and Germany ($25M). World imports came to about $346M, 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 Expanded steel the same in all countries?
The base HS code 731450 for Expanded steel 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 expanded steel in Brazil?
In Brazil, expanded steel (HS 731450) is classified under NCM 7314.50.00.