U.S. imports of Agglomerated Iron Ores & Concentrates (HS 260112) totaled $45.4M in August 2026, imported from 2 countries.
Importers of Agglomerated Iron Ores & Concentrates paid $2.8M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 6.27% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Agglomerated Iron Ores & Concentrates imports of $45.4M in August 2026 ran 23% below the year-to-date monthly average of $59.0M.
Last updated: August 2026 dataAgglomerated iron ores — principally pellets (2601120030) and other agglomerated forms (2601120090) — are thermally processed to improve reducibility and handling, making them a preferred charge material for both blast furnaces and direct-reduction plants that feed electric arc furnace steelmaking. Brazil dominates US supply under this heading, with Canada also a significant source; Oman has emerged as a notable supplier reflecting investment in pelletizing capacity in the Middle East. Because pellet quality specifications (basicity, compressive strength, reducibility index) vary by end-use, buyers typically negotiate detailed technical standards in long-term supply contracts.
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25 import shipments a month
Pellets are balled and indurated agglomerates classified at 2601120030. Sinter, produced by fusing fine ore on a moving grate, is also an agglomerated form and falls under 2601120090 if it meets the heading's criteria. The key classification question is whether the material has been agglomerated by any process — if so, it belongs in 260112 rather than 260111. Documentation of the production process supports correct classification.
Brazil's large integrated mining and pelletizing operations, particularly in the Iron Quadrangle region, produce high-grade pellets with consistent chemistry suited to US steelmakers' specifications. Proximity via Atlantic shipping routes and established long-term offtake agreements reinforce Brazil's leading position, though supply concentration creates exposure to weather, logistics, and regulatory disruptions at Brazilian ports.
Subheading 1 of 3 in heading 2601
Subheading 260112 · $45.4M of $46.6M
ImportsExports
Imports
$45.4MYoY · free account
Exports
$6.0MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $679.7M of Agglomerated Iron Ores & Concentrates and exported $301.0M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
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HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2601120030 | Iron Ore and Concentrates, Agglomerated Pellets | $44.4M | 6.27% | 50.15% | $2.8M |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2601120030 | Iron Ore and Concentrates, Agglomerated Pellets | $6.0M |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
Imports · August 2026
origin
Brazil and Canada together supply 100% of it. Brazil pays 10.9% duty; Canada 0.0%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
22.9% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 6.27% of imports for consumption.