Product classification
HS code for Steel 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 steel wire rod under HS 7213.99
The classification of steel wire rod under HS code 7213.99 is strictly governed by the product's physical dimensions and its state of manufacture. This code is reserved for bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel that are hot-rolled and presented in irregularly wound coils. A defining characteristic for this specific subheading is the circular cross-section with a diameter of 14 mm or more. Wire rod is a semi-finished product, typically used as the feedstock for the wire-drawing industry. Because it is hot-rolled, it possesses a characteristic mill scale and a grain structure suitable for further cold working. The "non-alloy" status means the steel does not contain levels of elements like chromium, nickel, or molybdenum that would trigger a classification under alloy steel headings (7227). This code is essential for customs purposes to distinguish between raw material rods and finished wire or straight-length bars, which have different economic and regulatory implications. The "irregularly wound" aspect is a technical requirement to distinguish these from "level wound" coils or spools used for finished wire. The diameter measurement is the most critical factor for this specific subheading, as smaller diameters fall under different codes within the 7213 heading.
- Covers
- Hot-rolled carbon steel rods in coils
- Coiled steel bars for wire drawing
- Heavy-gauge wire rod for construction reinforcement
- Non-alloy steel rods with circular cross-section ≥ 14mm
- Low-carbon steel wire rod for industrial use
- 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. Often confused with 7213.91, which covers rods with a diameter of less than 14 mm. It is also distinct from 7214, which covers bars and rods that are not in coils (straight lengths). If the rod is made of stainless steel, it must be classified under 7221, and if it is made of other alloy steel, it falls under 7227.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721399 (the code used for steel wire rod), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721399 (the code used for steel 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 steel 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 steel 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 steel wire rod
What is the HS code for Steel wire rod?
The HS code for Steel 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). For hot-rolled non-alloy steel rods in coils with a diameter of 14mm or more, the code is 7213.99.
How do I classify Steel wire rod for customs?
Steel 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.
Is cold-finished rod included here?
No, heading 7213 only covers hot-rolled products; cold-finished rods are classified under heading 7215 regardless of whether they are in coils.
Which countries are the top exporters of steel wire rod (HS 721399)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721399 (the code used for steel 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 steel wire rod (HS 721399)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721399 (the code used for steel 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 Steel wire rod the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721399 for Steel 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 steel wire rod in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 721399 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for steel 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).