DRI (HTS 7203.10) is produced by solid-state reduction of iron ore and retains a sponge-like or briquetted form without being melted, distinguishing it from pig iron (HTS 7201), which is produced by blast furnace smelting. The distinction matters because the two headings carry different duty rates and may have different Section 232 treatment depending on country of origin and applicable quota arrangements.

Trinidad and Tobago developed large-scale DRI production capacity specifically oriented toward export, leveraging access to natural gas as a reducing agent and proximity to US Gulf Coast steel mills. This infrastructure concentration means US buyers are significantly exposed to supply disruptions from a single origin, a consideration that influences long-term supply contracting strategies.