Iron or non-alloy steel; primary forms (excluding ingots and iron of heading no. 7203)

HS code 720690 covers a wide range of primary forms of iron or non-alloy steel, excluding ingots and iron of heading 7203. This industry is a crucial component of the global steel supply chain, providing essential raw materials for a diverse range of manufacturing sectors, including construction, automotive, and machinery. The production and trade of these primary steel forms are integral to the broader economic development and infrastructure growth in both developed and developing countries.

The production of iron or non-alloy steel primary forms typically involves a multi-step process. First, raw materials such as iron ore, coal, and limestone are melted in a blast furnace or electric arc furnace to produce molten steel. The molten steel is then cast into various primary forms, such as billets, blooms, or slabs, using continuous casting or ingot casting techniques. These semi-finished steel products are then further processed, often through rolling, forging, or extrusion, to create the final primary forms covered under HS code 720690.

The main inputs required for the production of iron or non-alloy steel primary forms include iron ore, coal, limestone, and other alloying elements, such as manganese, chromium, or nickel. Additionally, the industry relies on specialized equipment, such as blast furnaces, electric arc furnaces, and continuous casting machines, as well as a skilled workforce to operate and maintain the production facilities.

The primary forms of iron or non-alloy steel produced under HS code 720690 are used as inputs for a wide range of downstream industries. These include the manufacture of 720810 Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more, hot-rolled, not clad, plated or coated, 720720 Iron or non-alloy steel; bars and rods, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils, and 721310 Iron or non-alloy steel; bars and rods, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils, of circular cross-section measuring less than 14 mm in diameter, among others. The versatility of these primary steel forms makes them essential for the production of a diverse range of steel-based products and infrastructure.