India Cyclic Hydrocarbons Import Market -- HS 2902 Trade Data & Price Trend (Q2 2025)

India Cyclic Hydrocarbons Import (HS 2902) Key Takeaways

India's Cyclic Hydrocarbons Import under HS code 2902 saw a 21.6% quarterly decline in Q2 2025, driven by policy uncertainty and inventory adjustments after an April spike. The market is dominated by high-value aromatics like styrene (45.9% share) and bulk commodities tied to global indices, with pricing power constrained by their fungible nature. Supplier concentration is extreme—83.87% of value comes from a few key manufacturers like THE KUWAIT STYRENE COMPANY, creating supply chain vulnerabilities. Geographically, Kuwait leads with 21.53% value share, but bulk Middle Eastern origins contrast with higher-value processed chemicals from South Korea and China. This analysis is based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database covering Q2 2025.

India Cyclic Hydrocarbons Import (HS 2902) Background

What is HS Code 2902?

HS Code 2902 covers cyclic hydrocarbons, including compounds like cyclohexane, benzene, and toluene. These chemicals are critical feedstocks for industries such as pharmaceuticals, plastics, and petrochemicals, driving steady global demand due to their versatility in manufacturing processes. India’s reliance on imports under this code reflects its growing industrial base and need for these foundational materials.

Current Context and Strategic Position

India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) revised import policies for certain chemicals under Chapter 29 in October 2025, though HS Code 2902-specific changes remain unconfirmed [ChemLinked]. With a 2.5% basic customs duty (for subheading 29029090) and an 18% GST rate, India’s cyclic hydrocarbons import market remains active, sourcing key products like cyclopentane and diethyl compounds globally. The country’s strategic reliance on these imports underscores the need for vigilance in tracking hs code 2902 trade data, especially amid evolving industrial demand and potential policy shifts. Monitoring India’s cyclic hydrocarbons import trends is essential for stakeholders navigating this critical supply chain.

India Cyclic Hydrocarbons Import (HS 2902) Price Trend

Key Observations

India's Cyclic Hydrocarbons imports under HS code 2902 totaled $1.88 billion in Q2 2025, a 21.6% decline from Q1's $1.92 billion. Import volume also fell 17.7% quarter-on-quarter to 676,000 metric tons, indicating a broad-based softening in both value and physical shipments during this period.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The India Cyclic Hydrocarbons Import trend showed significant volatility within the quarter. April saw a sharp spike to $718 million (246,540 metric tons), likely reflecting anticipatory buying ahead of potential policy changes. This was followed by consecutive monthly declines, with May dropping to $599 million and June falling further to $563 million. This pattern suggests importers front-loaded shipments early in the quarter, then reduced activity as market conditions shifted. The sequential decline aligns with typical inventory adjustment cycles in the chemical sector following periods of concentrated importing.

External Context and Outlook

The October 2025 DGFT policy revision for chemicals under Chapter 29 [ChemLinked] appears to have driven this volatility. While not specifically targeting HS code 2902, the broader policy uncertainty likely prompted importers to accelerate shipments in early Q2 before potential restrictions took effect. The subsequent decline suggests either fulfillment of these advance orders or caution amid evolving regulatory clarity. With the hs code 2902 value trend showing such policy sensitivity, market stability will depend on how these import policy adjustments are implemented in coming months (ChemLinked).

India Cyclic Hydrocarbons Import (HS 2902) HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

According to yTrade data for India's HS Code 2902 imports in Q2 2025, styrene dominates the market with a 45.9% value share, driven by its high unit price of $3.14 per kilogram. This product specialization is evident in the significant value contribution despite a moderate weight share. An extreme price anomaly is present with cyclohexane, which has a unit price of $15.80 per kilogram, isolated from the main analysis due to its outlier status.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The non-anomalous sub-codes can be grouped into two categories: high-value aromatics like styrene, toluene, and o-xylene with unit prices around $3 per kilogram, and standard bulk cyclic hydrocarbons such as p-xylene and cumene with lower prices around $1.75 to $2.06 per kilogram. This structure indicates a trade in fungible bulk commodities, where prices are likely tied to global chemical indices rather than product differentiation.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

For players in India's HS Code 2902 import market, pricing power is constrained by the commodity nature of these products, emphasizing the need for efficient sourcing and risk management in supply chains. Strategic focus should prioritize high-volume items like styrene, while monitoring cost fluctuations in bulk grades. Analysis of HS Code 2902 trade data confirms this approach for maintaining competitiveness.

Check Detailed HS Code 2902 Breakdown

India Cyclic Hydrocarbons Import (HS 2902) Origin Countries

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In Q2 2025, Kuwait was the top origin for India's Cyclic Hydrocarbons imports, accounting for 21.53% of the value share. Its weight share of 24.66% is higher than the value share, indicating bulk shipments of lower-value raw materials. The frequency share of 9.14% supports consistent, large-volume trade patterns for this product.

Origin Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The origins divide into bulk suppliers and high-value clusters. Bulk suppliers like Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Oman dominate with high weight shares, reflecting their role as sources of raw cyclic hydrocarbons from petroleum refining. High-value origins such as South Korea and China Mainland show value shares exceeding weight shares, suggesting imports of processed or premium-grade chemicals for industrial applications. China Mainland also leads in frequency at 20.08%, indicating frequent, smaller shipments suited for flexible supply chains.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

India's dependence on Middle Eastern bulk suppliers for Cyclic Hydrocarbons introduces supply chain vulnerabilities. Diversifying towards high-value partners like South Korea could reduce risks and enhance quality. For HS Code 2902, import policies remained stable in Q2 2025, with no major regulatory changes affecting trade flows.

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

According to yTrade data, the India Cyclic Hydrocarbons Import suppliers market in Q2 2025 is highly concentrated. A small group of high-value, high-frequency suppliers dominates trade, accounting for 83.87% of total import value and 63.45% of shipment frequency. This core group handles the vast majority of volume, making them the typical trade channel for this product.

Strategic Supplier Clusters and Trade Role

The profile of HS code 2902 suppliers indicates a direct-to-factory market. The dominant cluster consists of major chemical manufacturers like THE KUWAIT STYRENE COMPANY and JIANGSU EVERGREEN, who ship large volumes regularly. Other clusters play minor roles: occasional bulk importers (15.26% value share), frequent small-quantity suppliers (0.11% value), and infrequent niche shippers (0.76% value) round out the supply base.

Sourcing Strategy and Vulnerability

India's heavy reliance on a few key suppliers creates vulnerability to supply disruptions or price volatility. Strategic focus should include diversifying sources, particularly from the high-value low-frequency cluster for backup capacity. The recent [DGFT import policy revision] affecting chemicals under Chapter 29 underscores the need for compliance monitoring alongside supply chain resilience planning.

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 operates as a bulk commodity trade. Core price drivers are global petrochemical indices and product grade differentials, as shown in the hs code 2902 trade data. High reliance on Middle Eastern bulk suppliers and a concentrated core of high-volume shippers define the Cyclic Hydrocarbons supply chain. This creates significant vulnerability to geopolitical disruptions and price volatility.

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

• Diversify sourcing using supplier frequency data. Identify and qualify high-value, low-frequency suppliers from clusters like South Korea to reduce over-dependence on Middle Eastern bulk shippers. This builds resilience against supply shocks.
• Monitor regulatory updates weekly. Track DGFT and other policy portals for changes affecting Chapter 29 chemicals. This ensures compliance and avoids sudden import halts.
• Optimize procurement with unit price analysis. Use hs code 2902 trade data to time purchases of bulk commodities like styrene during index dips. This directly reduces material costs.
• Develop a dual-supplier strategy for critical inputs. Partner with one primary and one backup supplier for key products like styrene. This mitigates risk from single-source dependency in the Cyclic Hydrocarbons supply chain.

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 Q2?

The Q2 2025 decline of 21.6% in value and 17.7% in volume reflects importers front-loading shipments in April ahead of potential policy changes, followed by reduced activity as market conditions stabilized.

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

Kuwait leads with a 21.53% value share, followed by bulk suppliers like Saudi Arabia and Oman, while high-value origins such as South Korea and China Mainland contribute premium-grade chemicals.

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

Price differences stem from product specialization: Middle Eastern suppliers ship lower-value bulk commodities, while East Asian partners export higher-priced processed or premium-grade chemicals.

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

Importers should prioritize high-volume items like styrene (45.9% value share) while diversifying suppliers to mitigate reliance on dominant clusters like THE KUWAIT STYRENE COMPANY.

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

Suppliers from high-value clusters (e.g., South Korea) have growth opportunities, while bulk exporters must compete on cost efficiency due to India’s commodity-driven demand.

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

Imports under HS Code 2902 are fungible bulk commodities, primarily used as industrial raw materials, with styrene dominating for downstream chemical manufacturing.

Detailed Monthly Report

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