HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2916.14 – Acids; unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; esters of methacrylic acid
HS code 2916.14 is the 6-digit subheading for acids, unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, esters of methacrylic acid. It is used for methyl methacrylate (MMA), ethyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, isobutyl methacrylate and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA).
What HS 2916.14 covers
Esters of methacrylic acid, such as methyl methacrylate (MMA), ethyl methacrylate, and butyl methacrylate, are high-volume monomers critical for producing polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) plastics, coatings, and adhesives. These chemicals are widely traded internationally, serving diverse sectors including automotive, construction, electronics, and medical devices. Manufacturers of acrylic sheets, paints, and dental materials are key importers, while large petrochemical and specialty chemical companies are the main exporters. The trade is driven by global industrial production and consumer demand for durable, transparent, and weather-resistant materials. Logistics involve careful handling due to flammability and polymerization risks, often requiring inhibitors during transport and storage.
- Covers
- Methyl methacrylate (MMA)
- Ethyl methacrylate
- Butyl methacrylate
- Isobutyl methacrylate
- 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA)
- Glycidyl methacrylate
- Cyclohexyl methacrylate
- Examples
- Lucite International (MMA)
- Evonik (MMA)
- Mitsubishi Chemical (MMA)
- Sumitomo Chemical (MMA)
Codes often confused with 2916.14
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 291613 (methacrylic acid itself) or 3906 (acrylic polymers), as these esters are the primary monomers for PMMA. The key differentiator is that this code specifically covers the ester form of methacrylic acid.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 291614, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 291614 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 9.8% 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 $425M 21% of world exports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $278M 13% of world exports
- 3 United States $243M 12% of world exports
World total: $2.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $234M 9.8% of world imports
- 2 United States $217M 9.1% of world imports
- 3 Germany $187M 7.8% of world imports
World total: $2.4B 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 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 codes for 2916.14 4
Brazil splits HS 2916.14 into 4 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2916.14.10 Methyl methacrylateDe metila
- 2916.14.20 Ethyl methacrylateDe etila
- 2916.14.30 n-Butyl methacrylateDe n-butila
- 2916.14.90 Other esters of methacrylic acidOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 29.16 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2916.14
What is HS code 291614?
HS code 291614 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Acids; unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; esters of methacrylic acid. Esters of methacrylic acid, such as methyl methacrylate (MMA), ethyl methacrylate, and butyl methacrylate, are high-volume monomers critical for producing polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) plastics, coatings, and adhesives. These chemicals are widely traded internationally, serving diverse sectors including automotive, construction, electronics, and medical devices. Manufacturers of acrylic sheets, paints, and dental materials are key importers, while large petrochemical and specialty chemical companies are the main exporters. The trade is driven by global industrial production and consumer demand for durable, transparent, and weather-resistant materials. Logistics involve careful handling due to flammability and polymerization risks, often requiring inhibitors during transport and storage.
What products fall under HS code 291614?
Methyl methacrylate (MMA), ethyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, isobutyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), glycidyl methacrylate, cyclohexyl methacrylate
What are common misclassifications for HS code 291614?
This code is often confused with 291613 (methacrylic acid itself) or 3906 (acrylic polymers), as these esters are the primary monomers for PMMA. The key differentiator is that this code specifically covers the ester form of methacrylic acid.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 291614?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 291614 in UN Comtrade data were China ($425M, 21% of world exports), Saudi Arabia ($278M) and the United States ($243M). World exports came to about $2.1B, 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 291614?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 291614 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($234M, 9.8% of world imports), the United States ($217M) and Germany ($187M). World imports came to about $2.4B, 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 291614 structured?
HS code 291614 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (16) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (14) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 291614?
Brazil splits HS code 291614 into 4 NCM codes: 2916.14.10 (Methyl methacrylate), 2916.14.20 (Ethyl methacrylate), 2916.14.30 (n-Butyl methacrylate), 2916.14.90 (Other esters of methacrylic acid). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.