Organic chemicals are a broad field encompassing petrochemicals and fine chemicals, serving as the foundation for the global materials, pharmaceuticals, and electronics industries. Recent trends, such as the expansion of shale gas in the US, the expansion of petrochemical production in China, and the introduction of the Carbon Border Adjustment (CBAM) in the EU, are driving significant changes in pricing and supply chains. Korea is securing technological competitiveness in high-purity organic compounds and fine chemical materials for semiconductors.
By early recognition of changes in raw material costs and environmental regulations across countries, you can develop export pricing policies and supply chain response strategies.
HS Class 29 products are representative, consisting of hydrocarbons, alcohols, carboxylic acids, epoxies, and resins. Added value increases in the order of basic chemicals → fine chemicals → applied materials.
division | HS code examples | Representative items | Strategy Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Organic Chemistry | HS 29.01–29.05 | ethylene, propylene, benzene | Supply chain diversification and price competition are key |
| Precision organic compounds | HS 29.09–29.16 | Acetic acid, glycol, epoxy resin | High value-added products are essential for semiconductors and batteries. |
| Special organic materials | HS 29.22–29.40 | Amine compounds, vitamin intermediates | Pharmaceutical and precision materials industry connections |
Understanding the HS structure by product directly leads to reduced tariffs and logistics costs and market segmentation strategies.
Organic chemical products are actively traded within Asia, with China, Japan, and the United States accounting for over 60% of Korea's exports. Southeast Asia is expanding as a new consumer market.
Country/Region | Strong items | Market characteristics | Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| china | Basic chemicals (ethylene, acetone) | Fast import substitution rate | Need for technological and quality advantage |
| japan | High-purity precision compounds | Semiconductor and electronics industry linkage | Maintaining stable B2B relationships |
| USA | petrochemical intermediates | The trend of easing environmental regulations | Review of local production investment |
| India and ASEAN | Resins and additives | Expansion of emerging markets | Price competitiveness + quality assurance are essential |
Analyzing market characteristics is beneficial for adjusting export ratios and establishing risk diversification strategies.
Korea's annual production of organic chemicals is approximately 33 million tons, with exports accounting for approximately 35–40%. The prices of basic petrochemical raw materials (naphtha, propylene) and electricity and carbon costs directly impact productivity.
item | Number/estimate | unit | note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 export amount | approximately USD 22.4 billion | USD | KITA statistics |
| Production capacity (CAPA) | About 33 million tons | ton | Concentrated in Yeosu and Ulsan industrial complexes |
| Exportable quantity | 12–13 million tons | ton | Export of remaining quantity after domestic demand |
The export potential indicator is used for price and contract adjustments and BEP simulations.
Organic chemical products must comply with purity and impurity management standards according to international safety and environmental standards.
field | Main specifications | note |
|---|---|---|
| Basic chemicals | ASTM E 1131, ISO 9001 | Ensuring quality consistency is essential |
| Precision Chemical Materials | ISO 17025, GMP | Pharmaceutical and electronics industry linkage |
| Packaging and transportation of hazardous materials | UN Recommendations, IMDG | Responding to export and import security regulations |
Understanding the standards helps prepare for product export certification and reduces risk.
To ensure product ingredients, safety, and environmental friendliness, various national and industry-specific certifications are required.
division | Certification name | Applicable area |
|---|---|---|
| Quality and Environment | ISO 9001 / ISO 14001 | Global |
| Chemical Substance Regulations | EU REACH, TSCA (US) | Legal requirements by exporting country |
| Eco-friendly certification | ISCC PLUS, Green Chemistry Label | To ensure ESG management |
Possessing certification increases buyer trust and shortens export approval time.
Because organic chemical products are classified as hazardous materials, logistics safety, temperature control, and insurance conditions are important factors in export costs.
Product group | means of transportation | Average lead time | Key Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic chemicals | Bulk ships and tank containers | 15–30 days | Leak and temperature control are essential |
| Precision compounds | Drums and IBC containers | 10–25 days | Moisture and temperature effects |
| Resins and additives | container | 15–35 days | Packaging damage and freight rate fluctuations |
Optimize contract terms (FCA/CIF) by utilizing logistics cost and insurance data.
Transaction units vary greatly depending on product risk and unit price, and are mainly contracted on a bulk or IBC basis.
Product group | MOQ | unit | characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic chemicals | 50 to 200 tons | ton | Direct payment to large oil refineries and chemical companies |
| Precision compounds | 1 to 5 tons | ton | For high-priced, small-quantity R&D |
| Resin additives | 10 to 20 tons | ton | Consumer goods and packaging industry linkage |
MOQ information is directly used for sales and contract minimum order planning and fund management.
This is an in-depth set that integrates analysis of price, seasonality, tariffs, ESG factors, etc.
cord | item | example | conjugation |
|---|---|---|---|
| (A) | Unit price/transaction price range | Average USD 1,400–2,500/ton | Pricing Strategy and Contract Guide |
| (B) | seasonal patterns | Production peaks in Q2–Q3, demand slows in Q4 | Inventory adjustment and freight planning |
| (C) | Tariffs and non-tariffs | Introduction of EU CBAM, US TSCA Regulations | Market response strategy is essential |
| (D) | Domestic alternative industries | Localization rate increased from 52% to 61% | Industrial self-reliance index |
| (E) | ESG·Net Zero | Eco-Friendly Solvents Market CAGR of 4.5% (2024–2030) | New market opportunities |
| (F) | Country-specific risk index | China 0.33, EU 0.28 | Market Selection Risk Analysis |
| (G) | List of major buyers | BASF, Dow, Mitsui Chem | Identifying cooperation and sales targets |
It is used as basic data for practical market entry and pricing strategies.
MarketHub AI Loop analyzes prices, country share, and reliability based on data from the previous quarter to forecast export trends for the next three months.
segment | ΔExport(%) | ΔPrice(%) | ΔCountryShare(pp) | TrustIndex(0–1) | 3M Forecast |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic chemicals | -1.8% | -2.3% | −0.2 pp | 0.64 | Falling oil prices and oversupply in China |
| Precision Chemical Materials | +0.9% | +1.2% | +0.1 pp | 0.72 | Recovery in demand for semiconductor and battery materials |
| Special organic materials | +1.4% | +0.6% | +0.3 pp | 0.76 | Growing demand for eco-friendly additives |
The three-month forecast is used as a benchmark for decisions on adjusting export contracts and production plans.
