Optical glass trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in optical glass was worth $612.9 million in 2024, about 11.2 thousand tonnes. That is a fall of 1% since 2017, and up 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 | $612.9M | 11.2K t |
| 2023 | $600.2M | 11.1K t |
| 2022 | $586.3M | 14.4K t |
| 2021 | $584.4M | 18.0K t |
| 2020 | $455.0M | 15.2K t |
| 2019 | $584.0M | 20.8K t |
| 2018 | $657.0M | 23.1K t |
| 2017 | $619.9M | 26.1K t |
Top optical glass exporting countries
Exports are led by the United States (25%), China (20%) and Japan (15%). 93 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 60%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $154.9M | 25% |
| China | $122.5M | 20% |
| Japan | $92.0M | 15% |
| Germany | $65.2M | 11% |
| Malaysia | $45.8M | 7.5% |
| Thailand | $19.6M | 3.2% |
| Hong Kong | $16.1M | 2.6% |
| Taiwan | $14.5M | 2.4% |
| United Kingdom | $11.6M | 1.9% |
| Switzerland | $11.3M | 1.8% |
| South Korea | $9.7M | 1.6% |
| Austria | $9.1M | 1.5% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
Germany is the biggest buyer with 28% of world imports, ahead of China and Japan. Demand is concentrated: the top three take 54% across 169 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $172.1M | 28% |
| China | $80.4M | 13% |
| Japan | $76.8M | 13% |
| United States | $31.7M | 5.2% |
| Taiwan | $28.1M | 4.6% |
| Hong Kong | $24.0M | 3.9% |
| Vietnam | $22.2M | 3.6% |
| South Korea | $16.0M | 2.6% |
| France | $12.9M | 2.1% |
| Myanmar | $12.2M | 2% |
| Thailand | $12.1M | 2% |
| United Kingdom | $10.7M | 1.7% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $54.50 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $488.85 per kg and China $26.72 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 7014: Signalling glassware and optical elements of glass (other than those of heading no. 7015), not optically worked. HS 7014 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most optical glass?
The United States exported $154.9 million in 2024, 25% of the world total, followed by China (20%) and Japan (15%). In all, 93 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most optical glass?
Germany imported $172.1 million in 2024, 28% of world imports, ahead of China (13%) and Japan (13%). The top three importers together take 54%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in optical glass?
It was worth $612.9 million in 2024, about 11.2 thousand tonnes. That is a fall of 1% since 2017. The peak year was 2018 at $657.0 million. 93 countries reported exports and 169 reported imports.
What is the average price of optical glass per kg?
The world average declared value was about $54.50 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $488.85 per kg and China $26.72 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 glass?
The HS code for optical glass is heading 7014, in chapter 70 (glass and glassware). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 7014 page.
How can I find optical glass 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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