Glass spectacle lenses imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $2.9 million of glass spectacle lenses in 2024 (49 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 11% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $6.0 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2.9M | 49 t |
| 2023 | $3.3M | 13 t |
| 2022 | $2.4M | 42 t |
| 2021 | $1.1M | 22 t |
| 2020 | $799K | 16 t |
| 2019 | $5.5M | 3 t |
| 2018 | $6.0M | 4 t |
| 2017 | $2.2M | 23 t |
Where South Africa imports glass spectacle lenses from
Thailand alone supplied 60% of it. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+36% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | $1.8M | 60% |
| China | $822K | 28% |
| Hungary | $82K | 2.8% |
| Italy | $65K | 2.2% |
| Vietnam | $57K | 1.9% |
| United States | $34K | 1.2% |
| India | $31K | 1.1% |
| Netherlands | $26K | 0.9% |
| Germany | $23K | 0.8% |
| Philippines | $8K | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $59.63 per kg, close to the world average of $57.50.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Glass spectacle lenses exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported glass spectacle lenses worth $1.4 million (4 tonnes). Namibia alone took 80% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $1.1M | 80% |
| Lesotho | $81K | 5.9% |
| Australia | $66K | 4.8% |
| Eswatini | $47K | 3.5% |
| Botswana | $31K | 2.2% |
| Zambia | $20K | 1.5% |
| Malawi | $8K | 0.6% |
| Mauritius | $7K | 0.5% |
| Zimbabwe | $5K | 0.4% |
| Senegal | $4K | 0.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa glass spectacle lenses imports (HS 9001.40): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
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 9001.40: Lenses, spectacle: unmounted, of glass, excluding elements of glass not optically worked.
Common questions
What is the value of glass spectacle lenses imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported glass spectacle lenses worth $2.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 49 tonnes. That ranks it 21st of 189 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 11% on 2023.
Which countries supply glass spectacle lenses to South Africa?
Thailand was the largest supplier with 60% of the value ($1.8 million), followed by China (28%) and Hungary (3%). The top three together account for 91%, out of 29 supplier countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 246% on the year.
What is the average import price of glass spectacle lenses per kg?
The average declared import value was about $59.63 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $57.50 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of glass spectacle lenses to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.2 million in 2017 to $2.9 million in 2024, an increase of 36%. The peak was 2018 at $6.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export glass spectacle lenses?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Lesotho and Australia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $1.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for glass spectacle lenses?
The HS code for glass spectacle lenses is subheading 9001.40. It sits in HS chapter 90 (optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9001 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World glass spectacle lenses trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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