Binoculars and telescopes trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in binoculars and telescopes was worth $1.90 billion in 2024, about 26.0 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 34% since 2017, and down 2% on 2023.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
World trade by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $1.90B | 26.0K t |
| 2023 | $1.95B | 24.4K t |
| 2022 | $1.99B | 34.0K t |
| 2021 | $1.91B | 33.1K t |
| 2020 | $1.46B | 24.5K t |
| 2019 | $1.50B | 24.5K t |
| 2018 | $1.44B | 39.8K t |
| 2017 | $1.42B | 23.0K t |
Top binoculars and telescopes exporting countries
Exports are led by China (38%), the United States (10%) and Germany (6%). 143 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 54%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $722.5M | 38% |
| United States | $197.1M | 10% |
| Germany | $104.5M | 5.5% |
| Austria | $101.5M | 5.3% |
| Hong Kong | $81.3M | 4.3% |
| Greece | $63.3M | 3.3% |
| Switzerland | $54.4M | 2.9% |
| Lithuania | $52.4M | 2.8% |
| France | $52.1M | 2.7% |
| Japan | $50.3M | 2.7% |
| Singapore | $36.5M | 1.9% |
| United Kingdom | $34.7M | 1.8% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The United States is the biggest buyer with 22% of world imports, ahead of Germany and Indonesia. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 37% across 208 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $427.2M | 23% |
| Germany | $164.9M | 8.7% |
| Indonesia | $108.3M | 5.7% |
| United Kingdom | $82.5M | 4.3% |
| Russia | $64.9M | 3.4% |
| Japan | $59.1M | 3.1% |
| Hong Kong | $57.3M | 3% |
| France | $53.2M | 2.8% |
| Canada | $48.3M | 2.5% |
| Israel | $46.3M | 2.4% |
| Ukraine | $46.2M | 2.4% |
| Netherlands | $46.0M | 2.4% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $73.08 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Switzerland averaged $2,454.97 per kg and China $35.76 per kg, so grade and origin matter.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments worldwide. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in this market?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 9005: Binoculars, monoculars, other optical telescopes, mountings therefore; other astronomical instruments, mountings therefore, but not including instruments for radio-astronomy. HS 9005 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most binoculars and telescopes?
China exported $722.5 million in 2024, 38% of the world total, followed by the United States (10%) and Germany (6%). In all, 143 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most binoculars and telescopes?
The United States imported $427.2 million in 2024, 22% of world imports, ahead of Germany (9%) and Indonesia (6%). The top three importers together take 37%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in binoculars and telescopes?
It was worth $1.90 billion in 2024, about 26.0 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 34% since 2017. The peak year was 2022 at $1.99 billion. 143 countries reported exports and 208 reported imports.
What is the average price of binoculars and telescopes per kg?
The world average declared value was about $73.08 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Switzerland averaged $2,454.97 per kg and China $35.76 per kg, so grade and origin matter. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so treat it as a benchmark, not a quote.
What is the HS code for binoculars and telescopes?
The HS code for binoculars and telescopes is heading 9005, in chapter 90 (optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 9005 page.
How can I find binoculars and telescopes buyers and suppliers?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX shows the importers and exporters behind this trade from shipment-level customs records, updated weekly, with direct customs feeds and mirror data. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
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