Silicon Trade Flows — HS Codes, Export Corridors, and China's Share
title: "Silicon Trade Flows — HS Codes, Export Corridors, and China's Share" description: "Key HS codes for silicon materials, major export and import corridors, China's dominance in global silicon exports, and trade policy risks." section: "market"
HS Code Reference for Silicon Materials
Navigating silicon trade requires fluency with Harmonised System (HS) codes, which determine tariffs, documentation requirements, and customs inspection risk.
| Material | HS Code (6-digit) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Metallurgical silicon | 2804.69 | Silicon ≥99.99% pure |
| Ferrosilicon | 7202.21 / 7202.29 | Fe-Si alloys |
| Polysilicon | 2804.61 | Silicon ≥99.99% pure |
| Silicon wafers | 3818.00 | Doped semiconductor elements |
| Fumed silica | 2811.22 | Silicon dioxide, amorphous |
| Precipitated silica | 2811.22 | Silicon dioxide, amorphous |
| Silicone oil (PDMS) | 3910.00 | Silicones in primary forms |
| Silicone rubber | 3910.00 | Silicones in primary forms |
| Silane coupling agents | 2931.90 | Other organosilicon compounds |
| SiC abrasive | 2849.20 | Silicon carbide |
| SiC refractory shapes | 6902.20 | Refractory bricks |
China's Export Dominance
China is the world's largest exporter of metallurgical silicon, SiC, fumed silica, and organic silicone intermediates. Export market shares:
- MG-Si: ~50% of global exports (competing with Norway/Elkem, Brazil, US)
- SiC abrasive: ~65% of global exports
- Silicone oil and intermediates: ~45% of global exports, rising
- Polysilicon: minimal exports (most consumed domestically in PV)
Key destination markets for Chinese silicon products: Germany, Japan, South Korea, Netherlands (re-export hub), USA (subject to Section 301 tariffs), India, and Southeast Asia.
Trade Policy Risks
US Section 301 Tariffs — Chinese silicon materials face 25% additional tariffs under Section 301. DMC, silicone oil, and fumed silica have been affected, prompting some Chinese producers to route through Vietnam or Malaysia.
EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) — Expanding from 2026, CBAM will eventually cover energy-intensive silicon smelting. Chinese MG-Si with coal-based power (Xinjiang) will face a significant carbon cost disadvantage versus Norwegian hydropower silicon.
UFLPA — US Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act creates documentation barriers for any product with supply chain links to Xinjiang, directly affecting Hoshine and GCL products and their downstream derivatives.