Coke and Semicoke of Coal, Lignite, or Peat; Retort Carbon

Metallurgical coke — produced by heating bituminous coal in the absence of air — is an essential reductant and structural support material in blast furnace steelmaking, and it represents the most commercially significant product within this heading. The US tariff schedule subdivides imports into fuel-grade coke (2704000010), non-fuel coke (2704000020), a residual coal coke line (2704000025), and coke or semicoke of lignite or peat plus retort carbon (2704000050). Canada leads US supply, with Czech Republic, Italy, South Africa, and Colombia also among notable sources. Buyers sourcing metallurgical coke should confirm that quality specifications — ash content, sulfur, and coke strength — align with blast furnace requirements, as these parameters drive both pricing and classification.