Optical elements trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in optical elements was worth $15.94 billion in 2024, about 35.3 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 14% since 2017, and up 5% 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 | $15.94B | 35.3K t |
| 2023 | $15.13B | 136.8K t |
| 2022 | $15.46B | 37.5K t |
| 2021 | $14.70B | 59.8K t |
| 2020 | $12.43B | 70.9K t |
| 2019 | $14.73B | 46.9K t |
| 2018 | $13.81B | 27.7K t |
| 2017 | $13.98B | 40.6K t |
Top optical elements exporting countries
China is the largest exporter with 21% of world exports, followed by Japan and Taiwan. The top three supply 52% between them, out of 172 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $3.40B | 21% |
| Japan | $2.55B | 16% |
| Taiwan | $2.38B | 15% |
| Germany | $2.06B | 13% |
| Thailand | $817.9M | 5.1% |
| United States | $730.9M | 4.6% |
| Netherlands | $715.4M | 4.5% |
| Vietnam | $597.1M | 3.8% |
| South Korea | $437.1M | 2.7% |
| Philippines | $387.9M | 2.4% |
| Singapore | $211.8M | 1.3% |
| Malaysia | $203.9M | 1.3% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are China (13%), the United States (11%) and the Netherlands (10%). 220 countries imported it, and the top three take 34% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.09B | 13% |
| United States | $1.68B | 11% |
| Netherlands | $1.65B | 10% |
| South Korea | $1.43B | 9% |
| Hong Kong | $1.39B | 8.7% |
| Vietnam | $1.23B | 7.7% |
| Germany | $942.6M | 5.9% |
| Taiwan | $732.7M | 4.6% |
| Japan | $640.1M | 4% |
| Singapore | $330.4M | 2.1% |
| United Kingdom | $270.6M | 1.7% |
| Thailand | $242.1M | 1.5% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $452.00 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the Netherlands averaged $1,480.78 per kg and China $311.77 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 9002: Lenses, prisms, mirrors and other optical elements, of any material, mounted, being parts or fittings for instruments or apparatus, other than such elements of glass not optically worked. HS 9002 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most optical elements?
China exported $3.40 billion in 2024, 21% of the world total, followed by Japan (16%) and Taiwan (15%). In all, 172 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most optical elements?
China imported $2.09 billion in 2024, 13% of world imports, ahead of the United States (11%) and the Netherlands (10%). The top three importers together take 34%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in optical elements?
It was worth $15.94 billion in 2024, about 35.3 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 14% since 2017. 2024 was the highest year since 2017. 172 countries reported exports and 220 reported imports.
What is the average price of optical elements per kg?
The world average declared value was about $452.00 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the Netherlands averaged $1,480.78 per kg and China $311.77 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 optical elements?
The HS code for optical elements is heading 9002, 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 9002 page.
How can I find optical elements 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.
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