Iron or non-alloy steel; semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel; containing by weight less than 0.25% of carbon, of rectangular (other than square) cross-section

HS code 720712 covers the classification of semi-finished iron or non-alloy steel products containing less than 0.25% carbon by weight and having a rectangular cross-section. This industry plays a crucial role in the global steel supply chain, providing essential raw materials for a wide range of downstream manufacturing industries, including 721010 Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more, hot-rolled, not clad, plated or coated, 721020 (Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more, cold-rolled (cold-reduced), not clad, plated or coated), and 721030 Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more, clad, plated or coated.

The production of semi-finished iron or non-alloy steel products under HS code 720712 typically involves a multi-step process. First, raw materials such as iron ore, coal, and scrap metal are melted in a blast furnace or electric arc furnace to produce molten steel. The molten steel is then cast into semi-finished forms, such as billets, blooms, or slabs, using continuous casting or ingot casting techniques. These semi-finished products are then further processed, often through rolling or forging, to achieve the desired rectangular cross-section and carbon content.

The main inputs required for the production of semi-finished iron or non-alloy steel products under HS code 720712 include iron ore, coal, scrap metal, and other alloying elements (such as manganese, silicon, and chromium) to achieve the desired chemical composition. Additionally, specialized equipment, such as blast furnaces, electric arc furnaces, and continuous casting machines, are essential for the production process.

The semi-finished iron or non-alloy steel products classified under HS code 720712 are primarily used as inputs for the production of various flat-rolled steel products, such as 721010 Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more, hot-rolled, not clad, plated or coated, 721020 (Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more, cold-rolled (cold-reduced), not clad, plated or coated), and 721030 Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more, clad, plated or coated. These semi-finished products are also used in the production of various structural and engineering components, such as beams, columns, and other construction materials.