HS Code:
o-Xylene (ortho-Xylene), classified under HS Code 290241, is an aromatic hydrocarbon used primarily as a feedstock in the production of phthalic anhydride, which is further used to manufacture plasticizers, alkyd resins, and polyester resins. It is also utilized as a solvent in various industrial applications. o-Xylene is one of the three isomers of xylene, alongside m-Xylene and p-Xylene, and is typically derived from petroleum refining processes such as catalytic reforming or steam cracking of naphtha. Global trade in o-Xylene is driven by demand in the chemical and plastics industries, particularly in regions with significant manufacturing capabilities.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately 5.2 million metric tons
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database, International Trade Centre (ITC)
1.1 million metric tons
21.2% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
0.9 million metric tons
17.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
0.7 million metric tons
13.5% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
0.6 million metric tons
11.5% of total trade of total trade
Stable
0.5 million metric tons
9.6% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
5.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
10% (applied by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like USMCA and EU-Japan EPA)
Rising demand for phthalic anhydride in Asia-Pacific
Increased exports from Singapore and South Korea to meet manufacturing needs in China and India
2021-2022
Shift towards sustainable chemical production
Growing interest in bio-based alternatives to o-Xylene, though currently limited by cost and scalability
2022
Volatility in crude oil prices
Fluctuations in o-Xylene production costs affecting global trade prices and margins
2020-2022
Major petrochemical companies in Singapore announced investments in expanding refining and aromatics production capacity, boosting o-Xylene exports.
March 2023
Expected to solidify Singapore's position as the leading exporter, potentially increasing global supply by 5-7%.
Stricter environmental regulations in China have led to temporary shutdowns of smaller chemical plants, increasing reliance on imported o-Xylene.
September 2022
Short-term spike in demand for imports from South Korea and Singapore, driving up regional trade volumes.
The EU implemented reduced tariffs on o-Xylene imports from Japan under the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement.
January 2023
Facilitated increased imports from Japan to Europe, though overall volume remains small compared to Asia-Pacific trade.