Contact lenses trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in contact lenses was worth $6.97 billion in 2024, about 49.3 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 13% 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 | $6.97B | 49.3K t |
| 2023 | $7.09B | 54.1K t |
| 2022 | $7.32B | 49.9K t |
| 2021 | $7.23B | 48.8K t |
| 2020 | $6.45B | 56.8K t |
| 2019 | $7.19B | 67.1K t |
| 2018 | $6.80B | 111.3K t |
| 2017 | $6.16B | 53.7K t |
Top contact lenses exporting countries
Exports are led by Ireland (22%), the United States (16%) and Germany (15%). 135 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 53%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | $1.54B | 22% |
| United States | $1.10B | 16% |
| Germany | $1.05B | 15% |
| United Kingdom | $608.3M | 8.7% |
| Taiwan | $521.8M | 7.5% |
| Singapore | $391.1M | 5.6% |
| Malaysia | $374.0M | 5.4% |
| Belgium | $215.6M | 3.1% |
| South Korea | $213.7M | 3.1% |
| Hungary | $165.5M | 2.4% |
| Netherlands | $128.0M | 1.8% |
| Costa Rica | $95.2M | 1.4% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
Japan is the biggest buyer with 19% of world imports, ahead of the United States and China. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 38% across 194 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $1.35B | 19% |
| United States | $808.4M | 12% |
| China | $465.2M | 6.7% |
| Germany | $394.1M | 5.7% |
| United Kingdom | $341.1M | 4.9% |
| Netherlands | $302.1M | 4.3% |
| Italy | $268.0M | 3.9% |
| Canada | $245.1M | 3.5% |
| Singapore | $231.6M | 3.3% |
| France | $191.3M | 2.8% |
| South Korea | $179.8M | 2.6% |
| Spain | $156.4M | 2.3% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $141.38 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Malaysia averaged $182.71 per kg and Singapore $101.56 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?
The shipment records behind Contact lenses (HS 9001.30) importers and exporters, worldwide: companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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 9001.30: Lenses, contact: unmounted, of any material, excluding elements of glass not optically worked. HS 9001 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most contact lenses?
Ireland exported $1.54 billion in 2024, 22% of the world total, followed by the United States (16%) and Germany (15%). In all, 135 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most contact lenses?
Japan imported $1.35 billion in 2024, 19% of world imports, ahead of the United States (12%) and China (7%). The top three importers together take 38%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in contact lenses?
It was worth $6.97 billion in 2024, about 49.3 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 13% since 2017. The peak year was 2022 at $7.32 billion. 135 countries reported exports and 194 reported imports.
What is the average price of contact lenses per kg?
The world average declared value was about $141.38 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Malaysia averaged $182.71 per kg and Singapore $101.56 per kg, so grade and origin matter. Read it as a benchmark: it blends all grades, origins and contract terms.
What is the HS code for contact lenses?
The HS code for contact lenses is subheading 9001.30, in chapter 90 (optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories). The first six digits are the same in every country; national tariffs add more. The full list of codes is on the HS 9001 page.
How can I find contact lenses buyers and suppliers?
EximDataX shows the importers and exporters of contact lenses by name, from shipment-level customs records updated weekly. Ask for a live look at the markets you sell to.
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