HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2901.22 – Acyclic hydrocarbons; unsaturated, propene (propylene)
HS code 2901.22 is the 6-digit subheading for acyclic hydrocarbons, unsaturated, propene (propylene). It is used for propylene gas, polymerization-grade propylene, chemical-grade propylene, propylene for polypropylene and propylene for propylene oxide.
What HS 2901.22 covers
Propene, commonly known as propylene, is another critical building block in the petrochemical industry, second only to ethylene in importance. It is a key raw material for producing polypropylene, a widely used plastic, as well as other chemicals like propylene oxide, cumene, and acrylonitrile. International trade in propylene is driven by the global demand for plastics, automotive components, and various industrial chemicals. Major exporters often include countries with large refining capacities or those with dedicated propane dehydrogenation (PDH) plants, such as the United States, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea. Key importers are industrial powerhouses like China, Germany, and other European nations with robust manufacturing sectors. Propylene is typically transported as a liquefied gas under pressure or refrigeration. Its market dynamics are closely tied to crude oil prices, naphtha cracking economics, and the growth of the polypropylene market.
- Covers
- Propylene gas
- Polymerization-grade propylene
- Chemical-grade propylene
- Propylene for polypropylene
- Propylene for propylene oxide
- Propylene for cumene
- Examples
- BASF (producer)
- LyondellBasell (producer)
- Sinopec (producer)
- Reliance Industries (producer)
- Braskem (producer)
Codes often confused with 2901.22
Common mistake. Often confused with 290121 (ethylene) or 290123 (butene) due to their similar roles as olefinic feedstocks. The specific chemical name "propene" or "propylene" is the distinguishing factor.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290122, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290122 in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 34% 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 $1.2B 25% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $709M 14% of world exports
- 3 Germany $489M 9.7% of world exports
World total: $5.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.7B 34% of world imports
- 2 Germany $609M 12% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $363M 7.2% of world imports
World total: $5.0B 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 2901.22
Brazil does not split HS 2901.22: its NCM code is 2901.22.00.
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 2901.22
What is HS code 290122?
HS code 290122 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Acyclic hydrocarbons; unsaturated, propene (propylene). Propene, commonly known as propylene, is another critical building block in the petrochemical industry, second only to ethylene in importance. It is a key raw material for producing polypropylene, a widely used plastic, as well as other chemicals like propylene oxide, cumene, and acrylonitrile. International trade in propylene is driven by the global demand for plastics, automotive components, and various industrial chemicals. Major exporters often include countries with large refining capacities or those with dedicated propane dehydrogenation (PDH) plants, such as the United States, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea. Key importers are industrial powerhouses like China, Germany, and other European nations with robust manufacturing sectors. Propylene is typically transported as a liquefied gas under pressure or refrigeration. Its market dynamics are closely tied to crude oil prices, naphtha cracking economics, and the growth of the polypropylene market.
What products fall under HS code 290122?
Propylene gas, Polymerization-grade propylene, Chemical-grade propylene, Propylene for polypropylene, Propylene for propylene oxide, Propylene for cumene
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290122?
Often confused with 290121 (ethylene) or 290123 (butene) due to their similar roles as olefinic feedstocks. The specific chemical name "propene" or "propylene" is the distinguishing factor.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290122?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290122 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($1.2B, 25% of world exports), the Netherlands ($709M) and Germany ($489M). World exports came to about $5.1B, 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 290122?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290122 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.7B, 34% of world imports), Germany ($609M) and the Netherlands ($363M). World imports came to about $5.0B, 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 290122 structured?
HS code 290122 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 (22) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290122?
In Brazil, HS code 290122 is NCM 2901.22.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.