HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2902.30 – Cyclic hydrocarbons; toluene
HS code 2902.30 is the 6-digit subheading for cyclic hydrocarbons, toluene. It is used for toluene, industrial-grade toluene, pure toluene, toluene for solvent use and toluene for benzene production.
What HS 2902.30 covers
Toluene is a versatile aromatic hydrocarbon widely used as a solvent, a raw material for producing other chemicals (like benzene and xylenes through disproportionation or hydrodealkylation), and as an octane enhancer in gasoline. Its international trade is substantial, driven by demand from the paint and coatings industry, chemical manufacturing, and the automotive sector. Major exporters often include countries with large refining capacities and petrochemical complexes, such as South Korea, the United States, and Saudi Arabia. Key importers are industrial nations like China, India, and various European countries, which utilize toluene in their manufacturing processes. Toluene is typically transported in bulk via tankers and rail cars. While less toxic than benzene, it still requires careful handling. Its market price is influenced by crude oil prices, refining margins, and the demand for its various end-use applications, including its role as a solvent and a chemical feedstock.
- Covers
- Toluene
- Industrial-grade toluene
- Pure toluene
- Toluene for solvent use
- Toluene for benzene production
- Toluene for TDI production
- Examples
- ExxonMobil Chemical (producer)
- Shell (producer)
- BASF (producer)
- Dow Chemical (producer)
- Valero Energy (producer)
Codes often confused with 2902.30
Common mistake. Often confused with 290220 (benzene) or 29024x (xylenes) due to their similar aromatic structures. The presence of a single methyl group on the benzene ring distinguishes it from benzene and xylenes.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290230, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290230 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 21% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 7.3% of its exports here ($21M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $738M 30% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $381M 16% of world exports
- 3 Germany $248M 10% of world exports
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 7.3% of its exports here ($21M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $2.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $487M 21% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $435M 19% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $297M 13% of world imports
World total: $2.3B 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 2902.30
Brazil does not split HS 2902.30: its NCM code is 2902.30.00.
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 2902.30
What is HS code 290230?
HS code 290230 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cyclic hydrocarbons; toluene. Toluene is a versatile aromatic hydrocarbon widely used as a solvent, a raw material for producing other chemicals (like benzene and xylenes through disproportionation or hydrodealkylation), and as an octane enhancer in gasoline. Its international trade is substantial, driven by demand from the paint and coatings industry, chemical manufacturing, and the automotive sector. Major exporters often include countries with large refining capacities and petrochemical complexes, such as South Korea, the United States, and Saudi Arabia. Key importers are industrial nations like China, India, and various European countries, which utilize toluene in their manufacturing processes. Toluene is typically transported in bulk via tankers and rail cars. While less toxic than benzene, it still requires careful handling. Its market price is influenced by crude oil prices, refining margins, and the demand for its various end-use applications, including its role as a solvent and a chemical feedstock.
What products fall under HS code 290230?
Toluene, Industrial-grade toluene, Pure toluene, Toluene for solvent use, Toluene for benzene production, Toluene for TDI production
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290230?
Often confused with 290220 (benzene) or 29024x (xylenes) due to their similar aromatic structures. The presence of a single methyl group on the benzene ring distinguishes it from benzene and xylenes.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290230?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290230 in UN Comtrade data were China ($738M, 30% of world exports), South Korea ($381M) and Germany ($248M). World exports came to about $2.5B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 7.3% of its exports here ($21M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 290230?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290230 in UN Comtrade data were India ($487M, 21% of world imports), South Korea ($435M) and Singapore ($297M). World imports came to about $2.3B, 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 290230 structured?
HS code 290230 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 (30) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290230?
In Brazil, HS code 290230 is NCM 2902.30.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.