Product classification
HS code for Molybdenum ore: 2613.90
Molybdenum ores and concentrates, other than roasted.
Classification of molybdenum ore under HS 2613.90
Molybdenum ore and concentrates that have not been roasted are classified under HS code 2613.90. Chapter 26 of the Harmonized System covers ores, slag, and ash. Heading 2613 is specifically for molybdenum ores and concentrates. The distinction between the subheadings in this category depends on whether the ore has undergone a roasting process. Roasting is a thermal treatment used to convert sulfide ores into oxides. HS code 2613.90 is reserved for "other" molybdenum ores, meaning those in their natural state or those that have been concentrated through physical or physico-chemical processes (like flotation) but have not yet been thermally treated to remove sulfur content.
- Covers
- Molybdenite concentrates (unroasted)
- Wulfenite ores
- Powellite ores
- Raw molybdenum mineral extracts
- Unprocessed molybdenum-bearing rock
- Also under 2613.90
- Freeport-McMoRan (US)
- Codelco (Chile)
- China Molybdenum Co. (CMOC)
- Southern Copper Corporation (Peru)
Codes often confused with 2613.90
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is with HS code 2613.10, which is specifically for roasted molybdenum ores and concentrates. Roasted concentrates are often referred to as "technical grade molybdenum oxide," which leads to a second common misclassification under HS code 2825.70 (chemical molybdenum oxides). If the product is a result of simple roasting of an ore concentrate and not a chemically pure compound, it should stay in 2613.10 rather than 2825.70.
Top exporters and importers of HS 261390 (the code used for molybdenum ore), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 261390 (the code used for molybdenum ore) in UN Comtrade data was Peru, with about 45% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 27% 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 261390, not only molybdenum ore.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Peru* ~$2.0B 45% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Chile $826M 19% of world exports
- 3 United States $673M 15% of world exports
World total: $4.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.2B 27% of world imports
- 2 Chile $951M 22% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $581M 13% of world imports
World total: $4.4B 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 molybdenum ore
Brazil splits HS 2613.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2613.90.10Molybdenite, not roasted
- 2613.90.90Other molybdenum ores, not roasted
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about molybdenum ore
What is the HS code for Molybdenum ore?
The HS code for Molybdenum ore is 261390 (Molybdenum ores and concentrates; other than roasted). The HS code for unroasted molybdenum ore and concentrates is 2613.90.
How do I classify Molybdenum ore for customs?
Molybdenum ore is classified under HS code 261390 — Molybdenum ores and concentrates; other than roasted. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 2613.10 and 2613.90?
HS code 2613.10 is for ores that have been roasted (thermally treated), while 2613.90 is for ores in their raw or concentrated but unroasted state.
Which countries are the top exporters of molybdenum ore (HS 261390)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 261390 (the code used for molybdenum ore) in UN Comtrade data were Peru (about $2.0B, 45% of world exports), Chile ($826M) and the United States ($673M). World exports came to about $4.4B, 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 molybdenum ore (HS 261390)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 261390 (the code used for molybdenum ore) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.2B, 27% of world imports), Chile ($951M) and the Netherlands ($581M). World imports came to about $4.4B, 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 Molybdenum ore the same in all countries?
The base HS code 261390 for Molybdenum 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 molybdenum ore in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 261390 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for molybdenum ore depends on the product's details: 2613.90.10 (Molybdenite, not roasted), 2613.90.90 (Other molybdenum ores, not roasted).