Product classification
HS code for Hot-rolled wire rod: 7213.99
Iron or non-alloy steel, bars and rods, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils, n.e.c. in heading no. 7213, of circular cross-section measuring 14mm or more in diameter.
Classification of hot-rolled wire rod under HS 7213.99
HS code 7213.99 applies to bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel that have been hot-rolled and are presented in irregularly wound coils. The classification hinges on the material composition and the physical dimensions. To qualify for this specific code, the steel must be non-alloy, and the cross-section must be circular with a diameter of 14 mm or more. The "irregularly wound coils" distinction is vital, as it separates these products from straight bars or rods. Hot-rolling is the primary forming process, which occurs at temperatures above the recrystallization point of the steel. This code is typically used for heavy-duty wire rods destined for further drawing, forging, or use in reinforcement where a larger diameter is required compared to standard wire rod sizes. The classification process requires verifying that the product does not contain alloying elements in quantities that would reclassify it as alloy steel under heading 7227. Furthermore, the shape must be a solid cross-section; hollow products or those with indentations or ribs (unless they are specifically for concrete reinforcement) might fall under different subheadings within 7213.
- Covers
- Hot-rolled non-alloy steel rods in coils
- Circular cross-section wire rods 14mm and above
- Irregularly wound coils of iron rod
- Hot-rolled steel coils for industrial drawing
- Also under 7213.99
- ArcelorMittal wire rod
- Nucor wire rod
- Gerdau wire rod
- JSW Steel wire rod
Codes often confused with 7213.99
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 7213.91, which is reserved for rods with a diameter of less than 14 mm. Importers also frequently confuse these coils with straight bars classified under heading 7214. Furthermore, if the rod is made of stainless steel rather than non-alloy steel, it must be classified under HS code 7221.00 regardless of the diameter or coil type.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721399 (the code used for hot-rolled wire rod), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721399 (the code used for hot-rolled wire rod) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 12% 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 721399, not only hot-rolled wire rod.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $171M 22% of world exports
- 2 Japan $147M 19% of world exports
- 3 Czechia $60M 7.9% of world exports
World total: $764M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $89M 12% of world imports
- 2 Thailand $84M 11% of world imports
- 3 United States $74M 9.7% of world imports
World total: $764M 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 codes for hot-rolled wire rod
Brazil splits HS 7213.99 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7213.99.10Wire rod (not round under 14 mm), 0.6% C or more
- 7213.99.90Wire rod (not round under 14 mm), under 0.6% C
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 hot-rolled wire rod
What is the HS code for Hot-rolled wire rod?
The HS code for Hot-rolled wire rod is 721399 (Iron or non-alloy steel; bars and rods, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils, n.e.c. in heading no. 7213, of circular cross-section measuring 14mm or more in diameter). The HS code for hot-rolled wire rod of iron or non-alloy steel, in irregularly wound coils with a circular cross-section of 14 mm or more, is 7213.99.
How do I classify Hot-rolled wire rod for customs?
Hot-rolled wire rod is classified under HS code 721399 — Iron or non-alloy steel; bars and rods, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils, n.e.c. in heading no. 7213, of circular cross-section measuring 14mm or more in diameter. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Why is the coil shape important for classification?
The coil shape is a defining characteristic of heading 7213. If the bars or rods are straight and not in irregularly wound coils, they are classified under heading 7214 or 7215, even if they have the same chemical composition and diameter.
Which countries are the top exporters of hot-rolled wire rod (HS 721399)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721399 (the code used for hot-rolled wire rod) in UN Comtrade data were China ($171M, 22% of world exports), Japan ($147M) and Czechia ($60M). World exports came to about $764M, 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 hot-rolled wire rod (HS 721399)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721399 (the code used for hot-rolled wire rod) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($89M, 12% of world imports), Thailand ($84M) and the United States ($74M). World imports came to about $764M, 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 Hot-rolled wire rod the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721399 for Hot-rolled wire rod 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 hot-rolled wire rod in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 721399 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for hot-rolled wire rod depends on the product's details: 7213.99.10 (Wire rod (not round under 14 mm), 0.6% C or more), 7213.99.90 (Wire rod (not round under 14 mm), under 0.6% C).