HS Code:
Acyclic hydrocarbons (HS Code: 2901) are organic compounds consisting of hydrogen and carbon atoms arranged in open chains rather than rings. This category includes saturated hydrocarbons (alkanes) such as methane, ethane, propane, and butane, as well as unsaturated hydrocarbons like ethene (ethylene), propene (propylene), and butene. These chemicals are fundamental in the petrochemical industry, serving as raw materials for plastics, synthetic rubber, and various chemical intermediates. They are also widely used as fuels (e.g., natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas). Global trade in acyclic hydrocarbons is driven by industrial demand, energy needs, and regional production capacities, with significant influence from oil and gas markets.
Total Trade Volume
USD 45.6 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 10.2 billion
22.4% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 6.8 billion
14.9% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 4.5 billion
9.9% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 3.9 billion
8.6% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 3.2 billion
7.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
3.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
10% (imposed by certain developing economies for industrial protection)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like USMCA and EU-Japan EPA)
Shift towards cleaner energy sources
Increased demand for natural gas-based acyclic hydrocarbons like methane as a transitional fuel, while demand for heavier hydrocarbons faces pressure due to carbon emission policies.
2021-2022
Growth in petrochemical production in Asia-Pacific
Rising imports of ethylene and propylene in countries like China and India to support expanding plastics and polymer industries.
2020-2022
Technological advancements in extraction
Shale gas boom in the United States has led to higher exports of ethane and propane, reshaping global supply chains.
2019-2022
The United States has significantly increased exports of ethane and propane to Asia and Europe following advancements in shale gas extraction and infrastructure development.
Mid-2022
This has lowered prices in importing regions, intensified competition for Middle Eastern exporters, and diversified supply sources for buyers.
The European Union’s Green Deal policies are pushing for reduced reliance on fossil fuel-based hydrocarbons, with stricter emission standards affecting trade patterns.
Early 2023
Demand for cleaner acyclic hydrocarbons like methane is rising, while tariffs and restrictions on other categories may increase.
Saudi Arabia is investing in downstream petrochemical industries under Vision 2030, aiming to export more value-added acyclic hydrocarbon derivatives rather than raw materials.
Late 2022
This could reduce raw acyclic hydrocarbon exports from the region while increasing competition in processed chemical markets.