Nickel; plates, sheets, strip and foil, not alloyed

HS code 750610 covers the trade of nickel plates, sheets, strip, and foil that are not alloyed. Nickel is a versatile and valuable metal with a wide range of industrial applications, making it an important commodity in the global economy. The production and trade of nickel products under this code play a significant role in supporting various manufacturing industries, from construction and transportation to electronics and aerospace.

The production of nickel plates, sheets, strip, and foil typically involves a series of metallurgical processes. First, nickel ore is extracted and refined to produce pure nickel metal. The nickel is then melted and cast into ingots or billets. These are then subjected to various rolling, drawing, or pressing techniques to shape the nickel into the desired flat products, such as plates, sheets, or foil. The final products may undergo additional finishing processes, such as annealing or surface treatment, to enhance their properties and appearance.

The main inputs required for the production of nickel plates, sheets, strip, and foil under HS code 750610 include nickel ore, energy sources (e.g., electricity, natural gas), and specialized manufacturing equipment such as rolling mills, presses, and annealing furnaces. Additionally, the industry may rely on various chemicals, lubricants, and other consumables used in the production and finishing processes.

The nickel products covered by HS code 750610 are primarily used as raw materials or intermediate goods in a wide range of industries. These include the 731500 construction, 870000 transportation, 850000 electronics, and 880000 aerospace sectors, where nickel's corrosion resistance, strength, and thermal properties make it a valuable component. The outputs from this industry may also be further processed or combined with other materials to create more complex nickel-based products.