HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2902.43 – Cyclic hydrocarbons; p-xylene
HS code 2902.43 is the 6-digit subheading for cyclic hydrocarbons, p-xylene. It is used for para-xylene, purified terephthalic acid (PTA) feedstock, dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) precursor, PET plastic raw material and polyester fiber component.
What HS 2902.43 covers
P-xylene, or para-xylene, is one of the most commercially significant aromatic hydrocarbons, serving almost exclusively as a feedstock for purified terephthalic acid (PTA) and dimethyl terephthalate (DMT). These derivatives are crucial for producing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics, widely used in beverage bottles, packaging, and polyester fibers for textiles. Its trade volume is immense, making it a cornerstone of the global petrochemical industry. Major petrochemical companies are the primary importers and exporters, with trade flows heavily influenced by global demand for PET and polyester. The market is highly sensitive to crude oil prices and the expansion of textile and packaging industries, particularly in Asia. Understanding global supply-demand balances, production capacities, and logistics for bulk liquid chemicals is paramount for traders in this sector. P-xylene's strategic importance in the polymer value chain makes it a critical commodity.
- Covers
- Para-xylene
- Purified terephthalic acid (PTA) feedstock
- Dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) precursor
- PET plastic raw material
- Polyester fiber component
- Bottle-grade PET ingredient
- Textile industry chemical
- Examples
- Indorama Ventures p-xylene
- Sinopec p-xylene
- Reliance Industries p-xylene
- BP p-xylene
- SK Global Chemical p-xylene
Codes often confused with 2902.43
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with other xylene isomers like 290241 (o-xylene) or 290242 (m-xylene), but its almost exclusive use in PTA/PET production distinguishes it.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290243, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290243 in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, 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 South Korea $4.0B 37% of world exports
- 2 Japan $1.7B 16% of world exports
- 3 Brunei $1.2B 11% of world exports
World total: $11.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $8.0B 65% of world imports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$814M 6.6% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 India $767M 6.2% of world imports
World total: $12.4B 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 2902.43
Brazil does not split HS 2902.43: its NCM code is 2902.43.00.
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 2902.43
What is HS code 290243?
HS code 290243 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cyclic hydrocarbons; p-xylene. P-xylene, or para-xylene, is one of the most commercially significant aromatic hydrocarbons, serving almost exclusively as a feedstock for purified terephthalic acid (PTA) and dimethyl terephthalate (DMT). These derivatives are crucial for producing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics, widely used in beverage bottles, packaging, and polyester fibers for textiles. Its trade volume is immense, making it a cornerstone of the global petrochemical industry. Major petrochemical companies are the primary importers and exporters, with trade flows heavily influenced by global demand for PET and polyester. The market is highly sensitive to crude oil prices and the expansion of textile and packaging industries, particularly in Asia. Understanding global supply-demand balances, production capacities, and logistics for bulk liquid chemicals is paramount for traders in this sector. P-xylene's strategic importance in the polymer value chain makes it a critical commodity.
What products fall under HS code 290243?
Para-xylene, Purified terephthalic acid (PTA) feedstock, Dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) precursor, PET plastic raw material, Polyester fiber component, Bottle-grade PET ingredient, Textile industry chemical
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290243?
This code is frequently confused with other xylene isomers like 290241 (o-xylene) or 290242 (m-xylene), but its almost exclusive use in PTA/PET production distinguishes it.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290243?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290243 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($4.0B, 37% of world exports), Japan ($1.7B) and Brunei ($1.2B). World exports came to about $11.0B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 290243?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290243 in UN Comtrade data were China ($8.0B, 65% of world imports), Taiwan (about $814M) and India ($767M). World imports came to about $12.4B, 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.
How is HS code 290243 structured?
HS code 290243 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 (43) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290243?
In Brazil, HS code 290243 is NCM 2902.43.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.