Cement; portland, other than white, whether or not artificially coloured

HS code 252329 covers the classification of portland cement, a widely used construction material that plays a crucial role in the global economy. Portland cement is a hydraulic binder, meaning it can set and harden when mixed with water, making it an essential component in the production of concrete, mortar, and other building materials. This industry is of significant importance, as the demand for construction and infrastructure development drives the need for reliable and high-quality cement supplies worldwide.

The production of portland cement involves a multi-step process. The primary raw materials, such as limestone, clay, and other mineral additives, are extracted and then crushed, ground, and blended in precise proportions. The mixture is then heated to high temperatures (around 1,450°C) in a kiln, where it undergoes a chemical reaction called calcination, transforming the raw materials into a new compound called clinker. The clinker is then cooled and ground into a fine powder, which is the final portland cement product.

The main inputs required for the production of portland cement include limestone, clay, and other mineral additives such as 252100 Limestone flux; limestone and other calcareous stone, of a kind used for the manufacture of lime or cement and 252400 (Clays (not including expanded clays of heading 6806); andalusite, kyanite and sillimanite, whether or not calcined; mullite; chamotte or dinas earths). Additionally, the production process requires specialized machinery, such as crushers, mills, kilns, and packaging equipment.

The primary output of HS code 252329 is portland cement, which is a versatile construction material used in a wide range of applications, including the production of 6810 Articles of cement, of concrete or of artificial stone, whether or not reinforced, 6811 Articles of asbestos-cement, of cellulose fibre-cement or the like, and 6901 (Bricks, blocks, tiles and other ceramic goods of siliceous fossil meals (for example, kieselguhr, tripolite or diatomite) or of similar siliceous earths). The cement industry's output is essential for the construction and infrastructure development sectors, making it a crucial component of the broader economy.