Iron or non-alloy steel; semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel; containing by weight less than 0.25% of carbon, of rectangular (other than square) cross-section

HS code 720712 covers the classification of semi-finished iron or non-alloy steel products with a carbon content of less than 0.25% by weight and a rectangular (non-square) cross-section. This industry plays a crucial role in the global steel supply chain, providing essential raw materials for a wide range of downstream manufacturing industries, including 721010 Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more, hot-rolled, not clad, plated or coated, 721020 (Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more, cold-rolled (cold-reduced), not clad, plated or coated), and 721030 Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more, electrolytically plated or coated with zinc.

The production of semi-finished iron or non-alloy steel products under HS code 720712 typically involves a multi-step process. First, raw materials such as iron ore, coal, and scrap metal are melted in a blast furnace or electric arc furnace to produce molten steel. The molten steel is then cast into semi-finished forms, such as billets, blooms, or slabs, through a continuous casting process. These semi-finished products are then further processed, often by rolling or forging, to achieve the desired rectangular cross-section and dimensions.

The main inputs required for the production of HS code 720712 semi-finished steel products include iron ore, coal, scrap metal, and other alloying elements (such as manganese, chromium, or nickel) as needed to achieve the desired chemical composition. Additionally, specialized equipment such as blast furnaces, electric arc furnaces, and continuous casting machines are essential for the production process.

The semi-finished steel products classified under HS code 720712 are primarily used as inputs for the manufacturing of various flat-rolled steel products, such as 721010 Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more, hot-rolled, not clad, plated or coated, 721020 (Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more, cold-rolled (cold-reduced), not clad, plated or coated), and 721030 Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more, electrolytically plated or coated with zinc. These semi-finished products are also used in the manufacturing of various other steel-based products, such as construction materials, machinery, and automotive components.