HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2902.41 – Cyclic hydrocarbons; o-xylene
HS code 2902.41 is the 6-digit subheading for cyclic hydrocarbons, o-xylene. It is used for ortho-xylene, phthalic anhydride precursor, polyester resin raw material, alkyd resin component and plasticizer intermediate.
What HS 2902.41 covers
O-xylene is a key aromatic hydrocarbon, primarily used as a chemical intermediate in the production of phthalic anhydride, which in turn is vital for plasticizers, polyester resins, and alkyd resins. In international trade, it's a bulk commodity, often transported in large tankers or specialized containers. Major chemical manufacturers and petrochemical companies are the primary importers and exporters, driven by demand from the plastics and coatings industries. Its trade is influenced by crude oil prices, as it's derived from petroleum refining, and by the global demand for downstream products. Understanding its purity levels and transportation regulations is crucial for traders. The market for o-xylene is global, with significant production capacities in regions with advanced petrochemical infrastructure. Its role as a building block for various polymers makes it a foundational chemical in many industrial supply chains, impacting sectors from automotive to construction.
- Covers
- Ortho-xylene
- Phthalic anhydride precursor
- Polyester resin raw material
- Alkyd resin component
- Plasticizer intermediate
- Solvent for paints
- Chemical synthesis feedstock
- Examples
- ExxonMobil Chemical o-xylene
- BASF o-xylene
- Sinopec o-xylene
- Reliance Industries o-xylene
Codes often confused with 2902.41
Common mistake. This code can be confused with other xylene isomers like 290242 (m-xylene) or 290243 (p-xylene) due to their similar chemical nature and shared origin, but their distinct industrial applications differentiate them.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290241, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290241 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 35% 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 China $235M 29% of world exports
- 2 France $93M 11% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $80M 9.7% of world exports
World total: $823M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $306M 35% of world imports
- 2 Germany $169M 19% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $156M 18% of world imports
World total: $882M 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 2902.41
Brazil does not split HS 2902.41: its NCM code is 2902.41.00.
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 2902.41
What is HS code 290241?
HS code 290241 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cyclic hydrocarbons; o-xylene. O-xylene is a key aromatic hydrocarbon, primarily used as a chemical intermediate in the production of phthalic anhydride, which in turn is vital for plasticizers, polyester resins, and alkyd resins. In international trade, it's a bulk commodity, often transported in large tankers or specialized containers. Major chemical manufacturers and petrochemical companies are the primary importers and exporters, driven by demand from the plastics and coatings industries. Its trade is influenced by crude oil prices, as it's derived from petroleum refining, and by the global demand for downstream products. Understanding its purity levels and transportation regulations is crucial for traders. The market for o-xylene is global, with significant production capacities in regions with advanced petrochemical infrastructure. Its role as a building block for various polymers makes it a foundational chemical in many industrial supply chains, impacting sectors from automotive to construction.
What products fall under HS code 290241?
Ortho-xylene, Phthalic anhydride precursor, Polyester resin raw material, Alkyd resin component, Plasticizer intermediate, Solvent for paints, Chemical synthesis feedstock
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290241?
This code can be confused with other xylene isomers like 290242 (m-xylene) or 290243 (p-xylene) due to their similar chemical nature and shared origin, but their distinct industrial applications differentiate them.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290241?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290241 in UN Comtrade data were China ($235M, 29% of world exports), France ($93M) and South Korea ($80M). World exports came to about $823M, 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 290241?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290241 in UN Comtrade data were India ($306M, 35% of world imports), Germany ($169M) and Belgium ($156M). World imports came to about $882M, 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 290241 structured?
HS code 290241 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 (41) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290241?
In Brazil, HS code 290241 is NCM 2902.41.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.