Iron or non-alloy steel; primary forms (excluding ingots and iron of heading no. 7203)

HS code 720690 covers a broad range of primary iron or non-alloy steel products, excluding ingots and iron products classified under heading 7203. This industry plays a crucial role in the global steel supply chain, providing essential raw materials for a wide range of downstream industries, including 730110 Structures and parts of structures, of iron or steel; plates, rods, angles, shapes, sections, tubes and the like, prepared for use in structures, 732510 Cast articles of iron or steel; of non-malleable cast iron, and 841199 Parts of turbojets or turbopropellers. The production and trade of these primary steel forms are closely monitored by policymakers and industry analysts as indicators of economic health and industrial activity.

The production of primary iron or non-alloy steel forms covered under HS code 720690 typically involves a series of high-temperature metallurgical processes. This may include smelting iron ore, refining the molten metal to remove impurities, and casting the steel into various shapes and sizes, such as billets, blooms, or slabs. Depending on the specific product, additional processing steps, such as rolling, drawing, or extruding, may be employed to achieve the desired dimensions and properties.

The main inputs required for the production of HS code 720690 items include iron ore, coal or other reducing agents, and various alloying elements, such as manganese, chromium, or nickel, depending on the desired steel composition. Specialized equipment, such as blast furnaces, electric arc furnaces, and continuous casting machines, are also essential for the efficient and high-quality production of these primary steel forms.

The primary steel products classified under HS code 720690 serve as the building blocks for a wide range of downstream industries. These semi-finished steel forms are often further processed and fabricated into finished goods, such as 730110 Structures and parts of structures, of iron or steel; plates, rods, angles, shapes, sections, tubes and the like, prepared for use in structures, 732510 Cast articles of iron or steel; of non-malleable cast iron, and 841199 Parts of turbojets or turbopropellers. The versatility and widespread application of these primary steel products make them a crucial component of the global manufacturing and construction sectors.