7224 - Other alloy steel in ingots or other primary forms; semi-finished products of other alloy steel:

Category 7224 encompasses a broad range of "other alloy steel" in semi-finished forms. This classification specifically applies to alloy steels that do not fit into more specific groupings within Chapter 72, such as stainless steel or tool steel. The "other alloy steel" designation generally refers to steel that contains by weight specific amounts of one or more alloying elements, such as manganese, silicon, nickel, cobalt, molybdenum, niobium, titanium, vanadium, tungsten, or other elements, beyond the basic iron and carbon. The primary forms can include ingots, blooms, billets, or slabs, which are intermediate products destined for further processing into finished goods like bars, rods, wire, plates, or structural shapes.

Unlike sibling categories that might cover pure iron, non-alloy steel, or more specialized alloy steels, 7224 is a residual category for alloy steels not otherwise specified. Its broad scope requires careful consideration of the specific alloying elements and their percentages to ensure correct classification. The key differentiator is the presence and quantity of alloying elements that elevate the steel's properties beyond those of standard carbon steel.

This category is further divided into two main subcategories to distinguish between the initial cast forms and subsequent semi-finished shapes. Subcategory 7224.10.00 covers the most basic forms of other alloy steel, such as ingots, pigs, or other rudimentary cast structures directly from the smelting process. Subcategory 7224.90.00 captures a wider array of semi-finished products derived from these initial forms, including blooms, billets, and slabs, which have undergone initial shaping processes like rolling or forging and are ready for further manufacturing.