India Cyclic Hydrocarbons Import Market -- HS 2902 Trade Data & Price Trend (Q1 2025)

India Cyclic Hydrocarbons Import (HS 2902) Key Takeaways

India's Cyclic Hydrocarbons Import under HS Code 2902 in Q1 2025 reveals a market dominated by bulk aromatics like styrene (40% share) and high-value specialty products from Singapore and Kuwait, despite a sequential decline in import value from $682.63M in January to $617.86M by March. The supplier base is highly concentrated, with 87.78% of trade controlled by a few high-volume players like KEMPAR ENERGY PTE LTD, creating supply chain vulnerability. This analysis, covering 2025 Q1, is based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database, highlighting a commodity-driven market where pricing power remains limited amid stable 2.5% customs duties and 18% IGST.

India Cyclic Hydrocarbons Import (HS 2902) Background

What is HS Code 2902?

HS Code 2902 covers cyclic hydrocarbons, a class of organic compounds with ring-shaped carbon structures, including cyclohexane, benzene, toluene, and xylene isomers. These chemicals are critical feedstocks for industries like pharmaceuticals, plastics, and petrochemicals, driving consistent global demand due to their versatility in manufacturing. Their trade is closely tied to industrial production cycles and energy markets.

Current Context and Strategic Position

India maintains a 2.5% basic customs duty and 18% IGST on HS Code 2902 imports, with no policy changes reported in Q1 2025 [yTrade]. Early 2025 data shows significant sourcing from Middle Eastern suppliers like Kuwait, reflecting stable trade patterns [yTrade]. India’s reliance on cyclic hydrocarbons imports underscores its role as a key consumer in global markets, necessitating vigilance on duty structures and supply chain dynamics. Monitoring HS Code 2902 trade data remains essential for stakeholders navigating this strategic sector.

India Cyclic Hydrocarbons Import (HS 2902) Price Trend

Key Observations

The India Cyclic Hydrocarbons Import trend under HS Code 2902 for Q1 2025 opened with a strong value of $682.63 million in January but declined to $617.86 million by March, marking a sequential decrease over the quarter. This hs code 2902 value trend indicates a softening in import activity as the period progressed.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The import values showed a consistent downward trajectory from January through March, with February at $618.94 million before a slight further drop. This sequential decline suggests a cooling in market momentum, possibly reflecting reduced post-winter demand in downstream industries like chemicals and plastics, where cyclic hydrocarbons are key feedstocks. The lack of recovery in March points to sustained pressure, potentially due to inventory adjustments or lower pricing in global markets.

External Context and Outlook

The stable policy environment, with no changes to the 2.5% basic customs duty and 18% IGST as confirmed by yTrade, likely contributed to the absence of volatility in imports [yTrade]. However, the decline may stem from broader factors such as fluctuating global crude oil prices or shifts in regional demand patterns. With duties expected to remain steady, the outlook hinges on external economic conditions and supply chain dynamics.

India Cyclic Hydrocarbons Import (HS 2902) HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

According to yTrade data for 2025 Q1, India's import of HS Code 2902 is heavily concentrated in styrene, which holds over 40% of the total import value at a unit price of 6.14 USD per kilogram, indicating a core specialization in this product. Isolated anomalies with extremely high unit prices, such as cyclohexane at 51.34 USD per kilogram and other cyclanes at 71.45 USD per kilogram, are present but represent minor shares and are excluded from the main analysis.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The remaining products fall into two main groups: bulk aromatics like p-xylene, o-xylene, toluene, and cumene, with unit prices between 4.35 and 8.55 USD per kilogram, and miscellaneous cyclic hydrocarbons with lower value contributions. This structure points to a trade in fungible bulk commodities, as these are standard industrial raw materials likely tied to global price indices rather than differentiated, high-value goods.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

For importers, the commodity nature of these products means limited pricing power, with costs influenced by international market fluctuations. The stable import duties of 2.5% basic customs duty and 18% IGST, as reported by [seair.co.in], reinforce the need to focus on efficient sourcing and cost management for India HS Code 2902 import strategies, leveraging HS Code 2902 trade data to navigate competitive pressures.

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India Cyclic Hydrocarbons Import (HS 2902) Origin Countries

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

Singapore is India's top source for Cyclic Hydrocarbons (HS Code 2902) imports in Q1 2025, accounting for 21.42% of the total import value. This dominance is notable because Singapore's value share is significantly higher than its quantity share (13.83%), indicating it supplies higher-value, processed grades of these chemicals. Kuwait follows as the second-largest supplier with a 19.46% value share, also showing a premium profile where its value share vastly exceeds its minimal 0.61% quantity share. This pattern suggests India's import mix for Cyclic Hydrocarbons is weighted toward more specialized, high-purity products rather than bulk raw materials.

Origin Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The supplier base splits into three clear clusters. The High-Yield cluster includes Singapore and Kuwait, which command premium prices for refined products. The Volume cluster is led by China and South Korea; China provides 29.58% of the quantity but only 7.87% of the value, indicating large volumes of lower-cost base chemicals. South Korea shows a similar profile with high quantity (18.95%) but moderate value (9.45%). A third, balanced cluster includes the United States and Japan, which have mid-range value and quantity shares, suggesting a mix of standard and specialty grades. This structure points to a diversified sourcing strategy where India taps different regions for both cost-effective bulk chemicals and high-value specialized compounds.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

India's heavy reliance on Singapore and Kuwait for high-value Cyclic Hydrocarbons creates supply chain vulnerability to any disruptions in these regions. The import duty structure remains stable with a 2.5% basic customs duty and 18% IGST [yTrade], but this does not mitigate concentration risk. To build resilience, importers should develop alternative sources for premium products, potentially in Europe or within the balanced cluster. For bulk needs, the existing volume partners provide cost stability, but diversifying within that segment could also help manage logistics and price risks for India's Cyclic Hydrocarbons supply chain.

Table: India Cyclic Hydrocarbons (HS 2902) Top Origin Countries (Source: yTrade)

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India Cyclic Hydrocarbons (HS 2902) Suppliers Analysis

Supplier Concentration and Dominance

In Q1 2025, the India Cyclic Hydrocarbons Import suppliers market shows high concentration, with a small group of high-value, high-frequency suppliers dominating trade. According to yTrade data, these suppliers handle 87.78% of the total import value, indicating that most transactions are large and regular. The typical trade involves frequent shipments accounting for 60.76% of all imports by count, making this the core of the supply chain.

Strategic Supplier Clusters and Trade Role

The remaining supplier groups include high-value but infrequent shippers, low-value frequent ones, and a small set of low-value infrequent participants. The dominant high-value, high-frequency cluster, represented by companies like KEMPAR ENERGY PTE LTD and SHELL INTERNATIONAL EASTERN TRADING COMPANY, points to an intermediated market where trading firms control bulk flows. The profile of HS code 2902 suppliers thus reflects an agent-driven structure, with specialized entities managing most imports.

Sourcing Strategy and Vulnerability

For importers in India, this supplier structure suggests a need to focus on securing relationships with key high-volume partners to ensure steady supply, while the low policy risk from stable duties [yTrade] reduces external threats. However, high reliance on a few suppliers increases vulnerability to disruptions, urging a strategy that might include exploring alternative clusters for backup. The sourcing model should prioritize reliability over cost savings given the concentrated nature of trade.

Table: India Cyclic Hydrocarbons (HS 2902) Top Suppliers List (Source: yTrade)

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Action Plan for Cyclic Hydrocarbons Market Operation and Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

India's Cyclic Hydrocarbons Import market is a commodity-driven trade. Prices are set by global indices and product grade. The hs code 2902 trade data shows a clear split: bulk, lower-cost chemicals from volume partners like China, and premium, high-value products from Singapore and Kuwait. This creates a dual price driver based on both volume and quality.

The Cyclic Hydrocarbons supply chain is highly concentrated. A few high-value, high-frequency suppliers handle most transactions. This structure offers efficiency but also creates significant vulnerability to any disruption from these key partners. India's role is that of a major processing hub, reliant on a steady flow of these raw materials for its domestic industries.

Action Plan: Data-Driven Steps for Cyclic Hydrocarbons Market Execution and Expansion

• Use hs code 2902 trade data to identify and qualify backup suppliers in the balanced cluster (e.g., USA, Japan). This diversifies your sourcing for premium products and reduces risk from over-reliance on Singapore and Kuwait.
• Analyze supplier shipment frequency data to forecast inventory needs and negotiate better contract terms. This prevents stockouts or overstocking, ensuring a smooth Cyclic Hydrocarbons supply chain and stabilizing operational costs.
• Monitor real-time unit price fluctuations by country of origin to time your purchases. This allows you to buy from the most cost-effective source at any given moment, maximizing margin on India Cyclic Hydrocarbons Import orders.
• Build direct relationships with the dominant high-value, high-frequency suppliers to secure allocation priority. This guarantees supply continuity for your core needs, which is critical in a tight, agent-controlled market.

Take Action Now —— Explore India Cyclic Hydrocarbons Import Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in India Cyclic Hydrocarbons Import 2025 Q1?

The import value declined sequentially from $682.63 million in January to $617.86 million by March 2025, likely due to reduced post-winter demand in downstream industries and global market price fluctuations.

Q2. Who are the main origin countries of India Cyclic Hydrocarbons (HS Code 2902) 2025 Q1?

Singapore (21.42% value share) and Kuwait (19.46% value share) dominate, supplying higher-value processed grades, while China (29.58% quantity share) provides bulk, lower-cost chemicals.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across origin countries of India Cyclic Hydrocarbons Import?

Premium prices from Singapore and Kuwait reflect specialized, high-purity products, whereas China and South Korea supply cheaper bulk commodities like aromatics (e.g., p-xylene at 4.35–8.55 USD/kg).

Q4. What should importers in India focus on when buying Cyclic Hydrocarbons?

Prioritize securing relationships with high-volume suppliers (e.g., KEMPAR ENERGY PTE LTD) for reliability, while diversifying sources to mitigate risks from over-reliance on Singapore and Kuwait.

Q5. What does this India Cyclic Hydrocarbons import pattern mean for overseas suppliers?

Suppliers of premium grades (e.g., Singapore) have stable demand but face pressure to maintain competitive pricing, while bulk suppliers (e.g., China) benefit from consistent volume orders.

Q6. How is Cyclic Hydrocarbons typically used in this trade flow?

These chemicals serve as industrial raw materials, primarily for downstream sectors like plastics and chemical manufacturing, where bulk aromatics (e.g., toluene) are fungible commodities.

Detailed Monthly Report

India HS2902 Import Snapshot 2025 JAN

India HS2902 Import Snapshot 2025 FEB

India HS2902 Import Snapshot 2025 MAR