HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2901.21 – Acyclic hydrocarbons; unsaturated, ethylene
HS code 2901.21 is the 6-digit subheading for acyclic hydrocarbons, unsaturated, ethylene. It is used for ethylene gas, polymerization-grade ethylene, chemical-grade ethylene, ethylene for polyethylene production and ethylene for ethylene oxide production.
What HS 2901.21 covers
Ethylene is the simplest alkene and arguably the most important organic chemical in the world, serving as a primary feedstock for a vast array of petrochemical products. Its international trade is dominated by large chemical companies and energy firms, with major production hubs often located near sources of natural gas liquids (NGLs) or naphtha. Key exporters include countries with abundant shale gas (e.g., USA) or large refining capacities (e.g., Saudi Arabia, Qatar), while major importers are industrial nations with significant plastics and chemical manufacturing sectors, such as China, India, and Europe. Ethylene is primarily transported as a refrigerated liquid or compressed gas, requiring specialized infrastructure. Its market price is highly sensitive to crude oil and natural gas prices, as well as global demand for plastics like polyethylene. Understanding the supply-demand dynamics of downstream derivatives is crucial for participants in this market.
- Covers
- Ethylene gas
- Polymerization-grade ethylene
- Chemical-grade ethylene
- Ethylene for polyethylene production
- Ethylene for ethylene oxide production
- Examples
- Dow Chemical (producer)
- SABIC (producer)
- LyondellBasell (producer)
- INEOS (producer)
- ExxonMobil Chemical (producer)
Codes often confused with 2901.21
Common mistake. Can be confused with other unsaturated acyclic hydrocarbons like 290122 (propene) or 290123 (butene) if not specifically identified as ethylene. The "ethylene" specification in the code is key.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290121, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290121 in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 41% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $1.6B 30% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $733M 14% of world exports
- 3 United States $540M 10% of world exports
World total: $5.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $2.4B 41% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $887M 15% of world imports
- 3 Indonesia $495M 8.6% of world imports
World total: $5.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 2901.21
Brazil does not split HS 2901.21: its NCM code is 2901.21.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 29.01 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2901.21
What is HS code 290121?
HS code 290121 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Acyclic hydrocarbons; unsaturated, ethylene. Ethylene is the simplest alkene and arguably the most important organic chemical in the world, serving as a primary feedstock for a vast array of petrochemical products. Its international trade is dominated by large chemical companies and energy firms, with major production hubs often located near sources of natural gas liquids (NGLs) or naphtha. Key exporters include countries with abundant shale gas (e.g., USA) or large refining capacities (e.g., Saudi Arabia, Qatar), while major importers are industrial nations with significant plastics and chemical manufacturing sectors, such as China, India, and Europe. Ethylene is primarily transported as a refrigerated liquid or compressed gas, requiring specialized infrastructure. Its market price is highly sensitive to crude oil and natural gas prices, as well as global demand for plastics like polyethylene. Understanding the supply-demand dynamics of downstream derivatives is crucial for participants in this market.
What products fall under HS code 290121?
Ethylene gas, Polymerization-grade ethylene, Chemical-grade ethylene, Ethylene for polyethylene production, Ethylene for ethylene oxide production
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290121?
Can be confused with other unsaturated acyclic hydrocarbons like 290122 (propene) or 290123 (butene) if not specifically identified as ethylene. The "ethylene" specification in the code is key.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290121?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290121 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($1.6B, 30% of world exports), the Netherlands ($733M) and the United States ($540M). World exports came to about $5.2B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 290121?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290121 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.4B, 41% of world imports), Belgium ($887M) and Indonesia ($495M). World imports came to about $5.8B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 290121 structured?
HS code 290121 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290121?
In Brazil, HS code 290121 is NCM 2901.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.