U.S. exports of Octanol (Octyl Alcohol) and Isomers (HS 290516) totaled $24.4M in August 2026.
Importers of Octanol (Octyl Alcohol) and Isomers paid $58K in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 20.25% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Octanol (Octyl Alcohol) and Isomers imports of $285K in August 2026 ran 83% below the year-to-date monthly average of $1.7M.
Last updated: August 2026 data2-Ethylhexan-1-ol — the dominant commercial isomer of octanol — is a primary plasticizer alcohol used in the production of DEHP and other phthalate and non-phthalate plasticizers for PVC, as well as in surfactants and lubricant additives. The US schedule separates 2-ethylhexan-1-ol (2905160010) from other octanol isomers (2905160050). Netherlands leads US imports, reflecting the large oxo-alcohol production complex in the Rotterdam area, with India and China also significant sources.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
6 import shipments a month
2-Ethylhexan-1-ol (2-EH) is by far the highest-volume octanol isomer in global trade, primarily because it is the direct precursor to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and alternative plasticizers. Its commercial significance justifies a dedicated tariff line (2905160010), while less-traded octanol isomers are grouped under the residual line 2905160050.
Import demand for 2-ethylhexanol tracks closely with PVC compounding activity and the plasticizer market. Shifts toward non-phthalate plasticizers (such as DINCH or DOTP) still require 2-EH as a feedstock, sustaining demand. Supply concentration in the Netherlands and growing capacity in Asia mean that freight rates and regional oxo-alcohol plant utilization rates are key price drivers for US importers.
ImportsExports
Imports
$285KYoY · free account
Exports
$24.4MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $34.8M of Octanol (Octyl Alcohol) and Isomers and exported $220.7M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Subheading 4 of 20 in heading 2905
Subheading 290516 · $24.4M of $456.3M
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 | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2905160050 | Octanols and Isomers (Exc Ethylhexan-1-Ol) | $285K | 20.25% | 100.00% | $58K |
| 2905160010 | 2-Ethylhexan-1-Ol (Octyl Alcohol) | — | -- | -- | -- |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2905160010 | 2-Ethylhexan-1-Ol (Octyl Alcohol) | $19.8M |
| 2905160050 | Octanols and Isomers, Except Ethylhexan-1-Ol | $4.6M |
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.
Trade Directory
List your company under HS 290516 — Octanol (Octyl Alcohol) and Isomers, so the companies trading it can find you. Be the first supplier listed.
Exports · August 2026
destination
Turkey and Mexico together take 61% of it.
customs district
origin
entry
rate provision · imports
duty collected equals 20.25% of imports for consumption.