Carbides; whether or not chemically defined, other than of calcium or silicon

HS code 284990 covers a diverse range of carbide materials, which are compounds consisting of carbon and one or more metallic elements. These carbides have a wide array of industrial applications, from cutting tools and abrasives to refractory materials and catalysts. As a key component in many manufacturing processes, the carbide industry plays a vital role in supporting the broader economy.

Carbides are typically produced through a high-temperature reaction between carbon and metallic elements. The most common production method involves heating a mixture of carbon and the desired metal in a furnace, often under controlled atmospheric conditions. The resulting carbide material is then processed and refined to meet specific requirements for its intended use.

The main inputs for the carbide industry include raw materials such as coal, petroleum coke, or other carbon sources, as well as various metallic elements like tungsten, titanium, or boron. Specialized equipment, such as high-temperature furnaces and precision machining tools, are also essential for the production and processing of carbide materials.

Carbides produced under HS code 284990 have a wide range of applications, including the manufacture of 820720 (Interchangeable tools for hand tools, whether or not power-operated, or for machine-tools (for example, for pressing, stamping, punching, tapping, threading, drilling, boring, broaching, milling, turning or screwdriving), including dies for drawing or extruding metal, and rock drilling or earth boring tools), 848610 Machinery and apparatus for the manufacture of semiconductor devices or of electronic integrated circuits, and 840410 (Auxiliary plant for use with boilers of heading 8402 or 8403 (for example, economizers, super-heaters, soot removers, gas recoverers); condensers for steam or other vapour power units). The diverse properties of carbides, such as their hardness, wear resistance, and high-temperature stability, make them essential components in a wide range of industrial applications.