HS Code:
Nonalloy pig iron containing by weight more than 0.5 percent of phosphorus (HS Code: 7201.20) is a type of pig iron used primarily in the steelmaking industry. This category of pig iron is characterized by its higher phosphorus content, which can influence the properties of the final steel product, often making it more brittle. It is typically used in specific applications where such properties are desired or as a raw material in foundries for casting iron products. This product is traded globally, with production concentrated in countries with significant iron ore resources and steel industries.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately 1.2 million metric tons
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
450,000 metric tons
37.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
300,000 metric tons
25.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
200,000 metric tons
16.7% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
150,000 metric tons
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
100,000 metric tons
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (imposed by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements or WTO commitments)
Shift towards sustainable steel production
Increased demand for low-impurity pig iron, potentially reducing demand for high-phosphorus pig iron in some markets
2021-2022
Rising steel production in Asia
Higher demand for raw materials like pig iron in countries like China and India, boosting trade volumes
2020-2022
Geopolitical tensions impacting supply chains
Disruptions in supply from key exporters like Ukraine due to conflict, leading to price volatility
2022
The European Union introduced anti-dumping duties ranging from 10-15% on Russian pig iron imports to protect domestic producers from unfairly priced imports.
March 2023
Expected to reduce Russian exports to the EU, potentially redirecting supply to Asian markets.
Brazil announced investments in new blast furnaces to increase pig iron production, targeting export markets in North America and Asia.
June 2023
Likely to increase global supply and stabilize prices in the short term.
China implemented stricter environmental regulations on steel production, impacting the use of high-phosphorus pig iron in favor of cleaner alternatives.
January 2023
May reduce demand for this specific category in China, affecting exporters reliant on the Chinese market.