HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2902.60 – Cyclic hydrocarbons; ethylbenzene
HS code 2902.60 is the 6-digit subheading for cyclic hydrocarbons, ethylbenzene. It is used for ethylbenzene, styrene monomer precursor, benzene derivative, ethylene derivative and chemical intermediate.
What HS 2902.60 covers
Ethylbenzene is an aromatic hydrocarbon almost exclusively used as an intermediate in the production of styrene monomer. While it has minor applications as a solvent, its primary commercial value lies in its catalytic dehydrogenation to styrene. Consequently, its trade is intrinsically linked to the styrene market, making it a critical upstream commodity for the plastics and synthetic rubber industries. Major petrochemical companies that produce styrene are the primary importers and exporters of ethylbenzene, often integrating its production within their larger chemical complexes. Its trade dynamics are heavily influenced by the global demand for styrene and its derivatives, as well as the availability and cost of benzene and ethylene feedstocks. Traders must navigate the complexities of bulk chemical logistics and the volatile pricing environment driven by crude oil and natural gas. Ethylbenzene's role as a dedicated precursor to styrene underscores its strategic importance in the polymer value chain.
- Covers
- Ethylbenzene
- Styrene monomer precursor
- Benzene derivative
- Ethylene derivative
- Chemical intermediate
- Solvent for paints (minor use)
- Petrochemical feedstock
- Examples
- LyondellBasell ethylbenzene
- Trinseo ethylbenzene
- INEOS Styrolution ethylbenzene
- LG Chem ethylbenzene
Codes often confused with 2902.60
Common mistake. Ethylbenzene is sometimes confused with other C8 aromatics or even benzene (290220) due to its structural similarity, but its near-exclusive use as a styrene precursor distinguishes it from other cyclic hydrocarbons.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290260, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290260 in UN Comtrade data was Czechia, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 68% of world imports. Mexico reports $1.1B of its heading 2902 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Czechia $93M 29% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $86M 27% of world exports
- 3 Germany $58M 18% of world exports
World total: $322M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $228M 68% of world imports
- 2 Poland $99M 30% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $2.1M 0.6% of world imports
Mexico reports $1.1B of its heading 2902 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $334M 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 2902.60
Brazil does not split HS 2902.60: its NCM code is 2902.60.00.
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 2902.60
What is HS code 290260?
HS code 290260 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cyclic hydrocarbons; ethylbenzene. Ethylbenzene is an aromatic hydrocarbon almost exclusively used as an intermediate in the production of styrene monomer. While it has minor applications as a solvent, its primary commercial value lies in its catalytic dehydrogenation to styrene. Consequently, its trade is intrinsically linked to the styrene market, making it a critical upstream commodity for the plastics and synthetic rubber industries. Major petrochemical companies that produce styrene are the primary importers and exporters of ethylbenzene, often integrating its production within their larger chemical complexes. Its trade dynamics are heavily influenced by the global demand for styrene and its derivatives, as well as the availability and cost of benzene and ethylene feedstocks. Traders must navigate the complexities of bulk chemical logistics and the volatile pricing environment driven by crude oil and natural gas. Ethylbenzene's role as a dedicated precursor to styrene underscores its strategic importance in the polymer value chain.
What products fall under HS code 290260?
Ethylbenzene, Styrene monomer precursor, Benzene derivative, Ethylene derivative, Chemical intermediate, Solvent for paints (minor use), Petrochemical feedstock
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290260?
Ethylbenzene is sometimes confused with other C8 aromatics or even benzene (290220) due to its structural similarity, but its near-exclusive use as a styrene precursor distinguishes it from other cyclic hydrocarbons.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290260?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290260 in UN Comtrade data were Czechia ($93M, 29% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($86M) and Germany ($58M). World exports came to about $322M, 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 290260?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290260 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($228M, 68% of world imports), Poland ($99M) and Saudi Arabia ($2.1M). World imports came to about $334M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mexico reports $1.1B of its heading 2902 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 290260 structured?
HS code 290260 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 (60) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290260?
In Brazil, HS code 290260 is NCM 2902.60.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.