Iron or steel, pig iron, spiegeleisen; granules thereof

HS code 720510 covers the import and export of pig iron and spiegeleisen, which are foundational materials in the steel industry. Pig iron is the primary product of the blast furnace process, where iron ore, coke, and limestone are smelted together. Spiegeleisen is a specialized form of pig iron that contains a higher percentage of manganese. These materials are critical inputs for the production of various steel products, making them an essential component of the global manufacturing and construction sectors.

The production of pig iron and spiegeleisen involves the reduction of iron ore in a blast furnace. Iron ore, coke, and limestone are loaded into the top of the furnace, and hot air is blown in from the bottom. The coke burns, providing the heat necessary to melt the iron ore and limestone. The molten iron and slag (impurities) separate, with the iron sinking to the bottom of the furnace. This pig iron is then tapped and cast into molds or granulated for further processing.

The primary inputs for the production of pig iron and spiegeleisen are iron ore, coke, and limestone. Iron ore is the raw material that contains the iron content, while coke provides the necessary fuel and reducing agent. Limestone acts as a flux, helping to remove impurities from the iron ore. Additionally, the blast furnace itself, as well as various materials handling and casting equipment, are essential capital inputs for this industry.

The primary outputs of HS code 720510 are pig iron and spiegeleisen, which are then consumed by other industries for the production of various steel products. These materials are typically used as inputs for 720711 Steel ingots and 720810 Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, as well as other steel manufacturing processes covered by different HS codes.