7207 - Semifinished products of iron or nonalloy steel:

Category 7207 encompasses "semifinished products of iron or nonalloy steel." This designation refers to materials that have undergone initial processing from raw iron or steel but have not yet been shaped into their final marketable forms. Examples include ingots, blooms, billets, and slabs. These products are characterized by their intermediate state, serving as the foundation for subsequent manufacturing processes such as rolling, forging, or extrusion into finished goods.

When classifying within Section XV, Chapter 72, it is crucial to distinguish 7207 from other categories. Unlike finished steel products (e.g., bars, rods, wire, or plates), these are not ready for direct use by end consumers or in most manufacturing applications. Furthermore, 7207 specifically pertains to iron and nonalloy steel; alloy steels and other base metals would fall under different headings within the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.

The subdivisions within 7207 are primarily based on the carbon content of the iron or nonalloy steel. The primary subcategory, 7207.10, covers products containing less than 0.25 percent of carbon by weight. This distinction is significant because carbon content is a key determinant of steel's properties, influencing its hardness, strength, and malleability, and thus its suitability for different applications. The next significant division, 7207.20, specifically addresses products with a carbon content of 0.25 percent or more.