HS Code:
Acyclic ethers and their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives (HS Code: 2909.11 to 2909.49) encompass a range of organic compounds used primarily as solvents, intermediates in chemical synthesis, and in the production of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and industrial products. This category includes widely used chemicals like diethyl ether and ethylene glycol ethers, which are critical in various industrial applications due to their solvent properties and reactivity. Global trade in these products is driven by demand in chemical manufacturing, automotive, and healthcare sectors.
Total Trade Volume
USD 5.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
Average Rate
5.5%
Highest Rate
12% (imposed by certain developing countries to protect domestic chemical industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-USMCA or within ASEAN)
Rising demand for green solvents
Increased focus on bio-based acyclic ethers as alternatives to traditional petrochemical derivatives, driven by environmental regulations and sustainability goals.
2021-2023
Growth in pharmaceutical intermediates
Higher demand for acyclic ethers in drug synthesis due to expanding global healthcare needs, particularly in emerging markets.
2020-2022
Supply chain disruptions
Fluctuations in raw material availability and logistics costs due to geopolitical tensions and post-COVID recovery challenges.
2021-2022
The European Union updated its REACH regulations to impose stricter limits on the use of certain acyclic ethers due to environmental and health concerns, requiring exporters to comply with new documentation and safety standards.
March 2023
Increased compliance costs for exporters to the EU, potentially reducing trade volumes from non-compliant regions.
Negotiations under the US-China trade agreement included discussions on reducing tariffs for chemical intermediates like acyclic ethers, aiming to boost bilateral trade in this category.
January 2023
Potential for increased exports from China to the US if tariffs are lowered, benefiting Chinese manufacturers.
Major chemical companies in the US and Europe announced investments in bio-based ether production facilities to meet growing demand for sustainable chemical solutions.
June 2022
Likely to shift market share toward sustainable products, pressuring traditional producers to innovate.