Iron or steel, pig iron, spiegeleisen; granules thereof

HS v2017 Code: 720510

About iron or steel, pig iron, spiegeleisen; granules thereof

HS code 720510 covers the classification of pig iron and spiegeleisen, which are essential raw materials in the steel industry. Pig iron is the primary product of the blast furnace process, where iron ore, coke, and limestone are combined to produce a molten iron that is then cast into ingots or granules. Spiegeleisen is a specialized form of pig iron with a higher manganese content, used as an alloying element in steel production. These materials form the foundation of the global steel supply chain, supporting the construction, automotive, and manufacturing sectors worldwide.

Production process

The production of pig iron and spiegeleisen involves the reduction of iron ore in a blast furnace. Iron ore, coke (a refined coal product), and limestone are fed into the top of the furnace, while hot air is blown in from the bottom. The intense heat and chemical reactions within the furnace reduce the iron ore, separating the molten iron from impurities like silica and alumina. The molten pig iron is then tapped from the furnace and cast into ingots or granules for further processing or sale.

Production inputs

The primary inputs for the production of pig iron and spiegeleisen are iron ore, coke, and limestone. Iron ore is the source of the iron content, coke provides the necessary carbon and heat, and limestone acts as a flux to remove impurities. Additionally, the blast furnace process requires significant amounts of electricity and water to power the operation and cool the equipment. Specialized machinery, such as ore crushers, conveyor belts, and casting equipment, are also essential inputs for this industry.

Production outputs

The primary outputs of HS code 720510 are pig iron and spiegeleisen, which are then consumed by other industries for further processing. The 720711 Steel ingots and 720810 Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel industries are major consumers of pig iron, using it as a key raw material in the production of various steel products. Spiegeleisen is primarily used as an alloying element in the production of 720211 Ferro-manganese and other specialized steel grades.

Revisions to 720510

Classification codes are adjusted frequently. The code may have been revised or replaced between system versions. The table below shows the history (newest to oldest) of the code 720510. The most recent 1 version of this code (720510) is in the HS v2022 system:

This page shows a legacy version of code 720510 ( HS v2017).

Older versions

Family tree for iron or steel, pig iron, spiegeleisen; granules thereof

    graph LR
    A["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/72'>72: Iron and steel</a>"]
A --> B["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/7205'>7205: Granules and powders, of pig iron, spiegeleisen, iron or steel</a>"]
B --> C["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/720510'>720510: Iron or steel, pig iron, spiegeleisen; granules thereof</a>"]

    B --> D["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/720521'>720521: Alloy steel powders</a>"]
B --> E["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/720529'>720529: Iron or steel, pig iron, spiegeleisen; powders (excluding alloy steel)</a>"]

    

    %% Color coordination by level

    classDef level1 color:#000,fill:#a8f9ff,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
    classDef level2 color:#000,fill:#e0a458,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level3 color:#000,fill:#419d78,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level4 color:#000,fill:#c04abc,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level5 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level6 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef highlight color:#000,fill:#fff,stroke:#000,stroke-width:5px



  %% Apply classes
  class A level2
class B level4
class C level6
class D level6
class E level6

  class C highlight

  %% class A level1
  %% class B,C level2
  %% class D,E,F,G,H,I level2
  %% class J,K,L,M,N,O,P level3
  %% class C highlight