HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2902.20 – Cyclic hydrocarbons; benzene
HS code 2902.20 is the 6-digit subheading for cyclic hydrocarbons, benzene. It is used for benzene, industrial-grade benzene, pure benzene, benzene for styrene production and benzene for cumene production.
What HS 2902.20 covers
Benzene is a fundamental aromatic hydrocarbon, serving as a cornerstone feedstock for a vast array of petrochemicals, including styrene, cumene, cyclohexane, and aniline. Its international trade is massive, driven by the global demand for plastics (polystyrene, polycarbonate), synthetic fibers (nylon), and various industrial chemicals. Major exporters include countries with large refining and petrochemical complexes, such as South Korea, the United States, and Saudi Arabia, which produce benzene from naphtha cracking or catalytic reforming. Key importers are industrial powerhouses like China, India, and European nations with significant downstream manufacturing capabilities. Benzene is transported in bulk via tankers and pipelines. Due to its carcinogenic nature, strict safety and environmental regulations govern its handling and transport. Its market price is highly sensitive to crude oil prices, naphtha cracking margins, and the demand for its derivatives.
- Covers
- Benzene
- Industrial-grade benzene
- Pure benzene
- Benzene for styrene production
- Benzene for cumene production
- Benzene for cyclohexane production
- Examples
- ExxonMobil Chemical (producer)
- SABIC (producer)
- LG Chem (producer)
- Sinopec (producer)
- BASF (producer)
Codes often confused with 2902.20
Common mistake. Can be confused with 290230 (toluene) or 29024x (xylenes) due to their similar aromatic structures. The key distinction is the lack of methyl groups on the benzene ring. Also, sometimes confused with 290211 (cyclohexane) if its aromaticity is overlooked.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290220, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290220 in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 58% 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 $2.3B 31% of world exports
- 2 India $1.1B 14% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $754M 10% of world exports
World total: $7.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $4.5B 58% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $618M 8.0% of world imports
- 3 United States $449M 5.8% of world imports
World total: $7.8B 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 2902.20
Brazil does not split HS 2902.20: its NCM code is 2902.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 29.02 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2902.20
What is HS code 290220?
HS code 290220 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cyclic hydrocarbons; benzene. Benzene is a fundamental aromatic hydrocarbon, serving as a cornerstone feedstock for a vast array of petrochemicals, including styrene, cumene, cyclohexane, and aniline. Its international trade is massive, driven by the global demand for plastics (polystyrene, polycarbonate), synthetic fibers (nylon), and various industrial chemicals. Major exporters include countries with large refining and petrochemical complexes, such as South Korea, the United States, and Saudi Arabia, which produce benzene from naphtha cracking or catalytic reforming. Key importers are industrial powerhouses like China, India, and European nations with significant downstream manufacturing capabilities. Benzene is transported in bulk via tankers and pipelines. Due to its carcinogenic nature, strict safety and environmental regulations govern its handling and transport. Its market price is highly sensitive to crude oil prices, naphtha cracking margins, and the demand for its derivatives.
What products fall under HS code 290220?
Benzene, Industrial-grade benzene, Pure benzene, Benzene for styrene production, Benzene for cumene production, Benzene for cyclohexane production
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290220?
Can be confused with 290230 (toluene) or 29024x (xylenes) due to their similar aromatic structures. The key distinction is the lack of methyl groups on the benzene ring. Also, sometimes confused with 290211 (cyclohexane) if its aromaticity is overlooked.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290220?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290220 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($2.3B, 31% of world exports), India ($1.1B) and the Netherlands ($754M). World exports came to about $7.4B, 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 290220?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290220 in UN Comtrade data were China ($4.5B, 58% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($618M) and the United States ($449M). World imports came to about $7.8B, 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 290220 structured?
HS code 290220 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (02) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290220?
In Brazil, HS code 290220 is NCM 2902.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.