Product classification
HS code for High carbon steel blooms: 7207.20
Iron or non-alloy steel, semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel, containing by weight 0.25% or more of carbon.
Classification of high carbon steel blooms under HS 7207.20
High carbon steel blooms are classified under HS code 7207.20. This heading covers semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel. The specific subheading 7207.20 is designated for products containing 0.25% or more of carbon by weight. Blooms are defined by their physical dimensions: they are semi-finished products of square or rectangular cross-section, where the width is less than twice the thickness. They are produced through continuous casting or by the primary rolling of ingots. Because these are non-alloy steel products intended for further processing (such as rolling into rails, beams, or wire rods), they fall under the category of semi-finished products. The carbon content is the primary technical factor that distinguishes this classification from low-carbon semi-finished products, as high carbon steel requires different handling and heat treatment in subsequent manufacturing stages.
- Covers
- High carbon steel blooms (carbon >= 0.25%)
- High carbon steel billets of rectangular cross-section
- Semi-finished non-alloy steel shapes for forging
- Continuously cast high carbon steel sections
- Also under 7207.20
- ThyssenKrupp high carbon billets
- Voestalpine tool steel blooms
- Sandvik specialty steel sections
- Ovako spring steel stock
Codes often confused with 7207.20
Common mistake. High carbon steel blooms are often misclassified under 7207.11 or 7207.12, which are reserved for semi-finished products containing less than 0.25% carbon. Another common error is classification under 7224.90, which covers semi-finished products of other alloy steel. If the steel contains alloying elements (such as chromium, nickel, or molybdenum) above the thresholds defined in Note 1(f) to Chapter 72, it must be classified as alloy steel regardless of the carbon content. Finally, if the bloom has been further worked beyond primary hot-rolling, it may move to a finished product heading in Chapter 72.
Top exporters and importers of HS 720720 (the code used for high carbon steel blooms), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 720720 (the code used for high carbon steel blooms) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 51% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Philippines, with 23% of world imports. Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 48% of its exports here ($274M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 53% of its imports here ($320M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 720720, not only high carbon steel blooms.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $2.0B 51% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$267M 6.9% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Japan $248M 6.4% of world exports
Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 48% of its exports here ($274M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $3.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Philippines $867M 23% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $340M 8.8% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $327M 8.5% of world imports
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 53% of its imports here ($320M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $3.9B 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 code for high carbon steel blooms
Brazil classifies high carbon steel blooms under NCM 7207.20.00: HS 7207.20 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 high carbon steel blooms
What is the HS code for High carbon steel blooms?
The HS code for High carbon steel blooms is 720720 (Iron or non-alloy steel; semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel, containing by weight 0.25% or more of carbon). The HS code for semi-finished products of non-alloy steel containing 0.25% or more carbon is 7207.20.
How do I classify High carbon steel blooms for customs?
High carbon steel blooms is classified under HS code 720720 — Iron or non-alloy steel; semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel, containing by weight 0.25% or more of carbon. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is a bloom different from a slab in HS classification?
A bloom has a width less than twice its thickness, whereas a slab (classified under 7207.12 or 7207.20 depending on carbon) has a width significantly greater than its thickness.
Which countries are the top exporters of high carbon steel blooms (HS 720720)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 720720 (the code used for high carbon steel blooms) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.0B, 51% of world exports), Vietnam (about $267M) and Japan ($248M). World exports came to about $3.9B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 48% of its exports here ($274M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of high carbon steel blooms (HS 720720)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 720720 (the code used for high carbon steel blooms) in UN Comtrade data were the Philippines ($867M, 23% of world imports), Indonesia ($340M) and Thailand ($327M). World imports came to about $3.9B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 53% of its imports here ($320M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for High carbon steel blooms the same in all countries?
The base HS code 720720 for High carbon steel blooms 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 high carbon steel blooms in Brazil?
In Brazil, high carbon steel blooms (HS 720720) is classified under NCM 7207.20.00.