HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2902.70 – Cyclic hydrocarbons; cumene
HS code 2902.70 is the 6-digit subheading for cyclic hydrocarbons, cumene. It is used for cumene, phenol precursor, acetone precursor, isopropylbenzene and bisphenol A feedstock.
What HS 2902.70 covers
Cumene, or isopropylbenzene, is an aromatic hydrocarbon predominantly used as a chemical intermediate in the production of phenol and acetone via the cumene process. Phenol is vital for resins (e.g., phenolic resins, bisphenol A for polycarbonates), while acetone is a widely used solvent and chemical intermediate. Thus, cumene's trade is directly tied to the demand for these downstream products, impacting industries from plastics and coatings to pharmaceuticals. Major petrochemical companies and integrated chemical producers are the primary importers and exporters. Its market dynamics are influenced by crude oil prices, the availability of benzene and propylene feedstocks, and the global demand for phenol and acetone. Traders need to be aware of the specific purity requirements for the cumene process and the logistical challenges of transporting bulk liquid chemicals. Cumene's role as a critical precursor for two high-volume industrial chemicals makes it a significant commodity in global chemical trade.
- Covers
- Cumene
- Phenol precursor
- Acetone precursor
- Isopropylbenzene
- Bisphenol A feedstock
- Polycarbonate raw material
- Solvent for resins
- Chemical synthesis intermediate
- Examples
- INEOS Phenol cumene
- Mitsui Chemicals cumene
- CEPSA cumene
- Formosa Plastics cumene
Codes often confused with 2902.70
Common mistake. Cumene can be confused with other aromatic hydrocarbons or benzene (290220) due to its structure, but its specific industrial application in the cumene process for phenol and acetone production is its defining characteristic.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290270, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290270 in UN Comtrade data was Singapore, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 84% 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 Singapore $221M 36% of world exports
- 2 Japan $181M 30% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $144M 24% of world exports
World total: $610M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $541M 84% of world imports
- 2 India $52M 8.1% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $11M 1.8% 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: $642M 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 2902.70
Brazil does not split HS 2902.70: its NCM code is 2902.70.00.
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 2902.70
What is HS code 290270?
HS code 290270 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cyclic hydrocarbons; cumene. Cumene, or isopropylbenzene, is an aromatic hydrocarbon predominantly used as a chemical intermediate in the production of phenol and acetone via the cumene process. Phenol is vital for resins (e.g., phenolic resins, bisphenol A for polycarbonates), while acetone is a widely used solvent and chemical intermediate. Thus, cumene's trade is directly tied to the demand for these downstream products, impacting industries from plastics and coatings to pharmaceuticals. Major petrochemical companies and integrated chemical producers are the primary importers and exporters. Its market dynamics are influenced by crude oil prices, the availability of benzene and propylene feedstocks, and the global demand for phenol and acetone. Traders need to be aware of the specific purity requirements for the cumene process and the logistical challenges of transporting bulk liquid chemicals. Cumene's role as a critical precursor for two high-volume industrial chemicals makes it a significant commodity in global chemical trade.
What products fall under HS code 290270?
Cumene, Phenol precursor, Acetone precursor, Isopropylbenzene, Bisphenol A feedstock, Polycarbonate raw material, Solvent for resins, Chemical synthesis intermediate
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290270?
Cumene can be confused with other aromatic hydrocarbons or benzene (290220) due to its structure, but its specific industrial application in the cumene process for phenol and acetone production is its defining characteristic.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290270?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290270 in UN Comtrade data were Singapore ($221M, 36% of world exports), Japan ($181M) and South Korea ($144M). World exports came to about $610M, 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 290270?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290270 in UN Comtrade data were China ($541M, 84% of world imports), India ($52M) and the Netherlands ($11M). World imports came to about $642M, 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 290270 structured?
HS code 290270 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 (70) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290270?
In Brazil, HS code 290270 is NCM 2902.70.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.