HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2902.42 – Cyclic hydrocarbons; m-xylene
HS code 2902.42 is the 6-digit subheading for cyclic hydrocarbons, m-xylene. It is used for meta-xylene, isophthalic acid precursor, high-performance polyester resin component, PET bottle additive and coating formulation ingredient.
What HS 2902.42 covers
M-xylene, or meta-xylene, is an aromatic hydrocarbon primarily used as a chemical intermediate, particularly in the production of isophthalic acid, which is essential for high-performance polyester resins, PET bottles, and certain coatings. Unlike its ortho and para isomers, m-xylene has more niche applications but is still a significant bulk chemical in global trade. Petrochemical giants and specialized chemical producers are the main players in its import and export, catering to industries requiring specific polymer properties. Its trade dynamics are closely tied to the demand for advanced plastics and composite materials. Purity specifications are critical for its industrial applications, and traders must navigate complex logistics for bulk liquid chemicals. The global market for m-xylene is influenced by feedstock availability from crude oil refining and the growth of specialized polymer markets, making it a key component in advanced material manufacturing.
- Covers
- Meta-xylene
- Isophthalic acid precursor
- High-performance polyester resin component
- PET bottle additive
- Coating formulation ingredient
- Chemical synthesis solvent
- Polymer feedstock
- Examples
- Shell Chemicals m-xylene
- TotalEnergies m-xylene
- Formosa Plastics m-xylene
- LG Chem m-xylene
Codes often confused with 2902.42
Common mistake. Misclassification often occurs with 290241 (o-xylene) or 290243 (p-xylene) due to their isomeric relationship, but their distinct chemical structures lead to different end-uses.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290242, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290242 in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 66% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 65% 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 Japan $45M 66% of world exports
- 2 India $10M 15% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $8.0M 12% of world exports
World total: $69M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $122M 65% of world imports
- 2 China $33M 18% of world imports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$17M 9.0% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $186M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 2902.42
Brazil does not split HS 2902.42: its NCM code is 2902.42.00.
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 2902.42
What is HS code 290242?
HS code 290242 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cyclic hydrocarbons; m-xylene. M-xylene, or meta-xylene, is an aromatic hydrocarbon primarily used as a chemical intermediate, particularly in the production of isophthalic acid, which is essential for high-performance polyester resins, PET bottles, and certain coatings. Unlike its ortho and para isomers, m-xylene has more niche applications but is still a significant bulk chemical in global trade. Petrochemical giants and specialized chemical producers are the main players in its import and export, catering to industries requiring specific polymer properties. Its trade dynamics are closely tied to the demand for advanced plastics and composite materials. Purity specifications are critical for its industrial applications, and traders must navigate complex logistics for bulk liquid chemicals. The global market for m-xylene is influenced by feedstock availability from crude oil refining and the growth of specialized polymer markets, making it a key component in advanced material manufacturing.
What products fall under HS code 290242?
Meta-xylene, Isophthalic acid precursor, High-performance polyester resin component, PET bottle additive, Coating formulation ingredient, Chemical synthesis solvent, Polymer feedstock
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290242?
Misclassification often occurs with 290241 (o-xylene) or 290243 (p-xylene) due to their isomeric relationship, but their distinct chemical structures lead to different end-uses.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290242?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290242 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($45M, 66% of world exports), India ($10M) and the Netherlands ($8.0M). World exports came to about $69M, 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 290242?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290242 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($122M, 65% of world imports), China ($33M) and Taiwan (about $17M). World imports came to about $186M, 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 290242 structured?
HS code 290242 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 (42) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290242?
In Brazil, HS code 290242 is NCM 2902.42.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.