Product classification
HS code for Nickel matte: 7501.10
Nickel, nickel mattes.
Classification of nickel matte under HS 7501.10
Nickel matte is classified under HS code 7501.10 because it is an intermediate product of nickel metallurgy. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 75, heading 7501 covers products obtained by the treatment of roasted nickel-bearing ores. Nickel matte specifically consists of nickel sulfides, often containing copper or iron, which are produced by smelting. It is not yet refined into pure nickel, placing it firmly within the intermediate category of 7501 rather than the unwrought metal category of 7502. The classification depends on the metallurgical state of the material, where the matte serves as a precursor to the production of refined nickel or nickel oxides. It is characterized by its sulfide content and its role in the smelting process before electrolytic or chemical refining occurs.
- Covers
- Nickel sulfide mattes
- Nickel-copper mattes
- Intermediate metallurgical nickel products
- Smelted nickel concentrates
- Also under 7501.10
- Vale nickel matte
- Norilsk Nickel matte
- Glencore nickel matte
- Sumitomo Metal Mining nickel matte
Codes often confused with 7501.10
Common mistake. Nickel matte is frequently confused with nickel ores and concentrates under HS code 2604.00. The distinction lies in the processing: 2604.00 covers raw minerals or concentrates that have only undergone physical separation, whereas 7501.10 covers products that have undergone smelting. Another common error is classifying matte as unwrought nickel under 7502.10; however, 7502 is reserved for metal that has reached a higher level of purity, typically through refining or electrolysis.
Top exporters and importers of HS 750110 (the code used for nickel matte), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 750110 (the code used for nickel matte) in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 57% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 40% 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 750110, not only nickel matte.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Indonesia $3.0B 57% of world exports
- 2 Russia* ~$834M 16% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Canada $734M 14% of world exports
World total: $5.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $2.5B 40% of world imports
- 2 Norway $1.7B 27% of world imports
- 3 Japan $1.2B 20% of world imports
World total: $6.2B 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 nickel matte
Brazil classifies nickel matte under NCM 7501.10.00: HS 7501.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about nickel matte
What is the HS code for Nickel matte?
The HS code for Nickel matte is 750110 (Nickel; nickel mattes). The specific HS code for nickel matte is 7501.10, which falls under the broader heading for nickel mattes and oxide sinters.
How do I classify Nickel matte for customs?
Nickel matte is classified under HS code 750110 — Nickel; nickel mattes. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is nickel matte considered a finished metal product?
No, nickel matte is an intermediate product that requires further refining to produce pure nickel or nickel alloys suitable for manufacturing.
Which countries are the top exporters of nickel matte (HS 750110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 750110 (the code used for nickel matte) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($3.0B, 57% of world exports), Russia (about $834M) and Canada ($734M). World exports came to about $5.2B, 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 nickel matte (HS 750110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 750110 (the code used for nickel matte) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.5B, 40% of world imports), Norway ($1.7B) and Japan ($1.2B). World imports came to about $6.2B, 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 Nickel matte the same in all countries?
The base HS code 750110 for Nickel matte 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 nickel matte in Brazil?
In Brazil, nickel matte (HS 750110) is classified under NCM 7501.10.00.