U.S. exports of Meta-Xylene (m-Xylene) (HS 290242) totaled $3K in August 2026, exported to 2 countries.
Last updated: August 2026 dataMeta-xylene (1,3-dimethylbenzene), classified under 2902420000, is the least commercially prominent of the three xylene isomers in terms of standalone trade volume, but serves as the feedstock for isophthalic acid — used in specialty polyester resins, coatings, and PET copolymers requiring enhanced barrier or thermal properties. Canada leads US imports, followed by Japan, India, and South Korea. Because meta-xylene is typically the most difficult isomer to separate from mixed xylene streams, its purity and isomer composition documentation are particularly important for classification and downstream quality acceptance.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
The HTS heading for meta-xylene (2902420000) does not specify a minimum purity threshold in the tariff schedule itself, unlike benzene or toluene. Commercially, buyers typically require 99% or higher purity for isophthalic acid production. Importers should document the actual purity on the CoA and invoice; a low-purity mixed stream containing meta-xylene as a component may not properly classify here and could instead fall under a mixed xylenes provision.
Meta-xylene is the most difficult C8 aromatic isomer to isolate because its boiling point is very close to para-xylene's, requiring specialized adsorption or crystallization separation technology. Most large-scale aromatic complexes are optimized for para-xylene production, leaving meta-xylene as a secondary output. This means global supply is more constrained relative to demand, and importers should plan for longer lead times and tighter spot availability compared to the other xylene isomers.
Subheading 11 of 12 in heading 2902
Subheading 290242 · $3K of $242.6M
ImportsExports
Imports
—YoY · free account
Exports
$3KYoY · free account
Low of 5 reported months · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. exported $25.1M of Meta-Xylene (m-Xylene).
Fewer than 6 of the last 12 months reported trade, or the latest month was under $500K; the trend chart is not shown for thin series.
Through August 2026 · imports 5 of 12 months reported, exports 7 of 12 months reported. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Trade Directory
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HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2902420000 | Meta-Xylene | — | -- | -- |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2902420000 | Meta-Xylene (1,3-Dimethylbenzene) | $3K |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
Exports · August 2026
destination
Curaçao and Spain together take 100% of it.
customs district
origin
entry
rate provision · imports
None recorded for this period.