Optical elements imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of optical elements by South Africa reached $20.3 million in 2024 (467 tonnes). Value rose 14% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $20.3M | 467 t |
| 2023 | $17.8M | 223 t |
| 2022 | $21.5M | 143 t |
| 2021 | $18.3M | 270 t |
| 2020 | $12.1M | 102 t |
| 2019 | $22.3M | 216 t |
| 2018 | $23.0M | 105 t |
| 2017 | $24.5M | 1.1K t |
Where South Africa imports optical elements from
The largest suppliers were Japan (32%), China (16%), United States (11%). Among the main suppliers, Spain grew fastest (+142% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $6.5M | 32% |
| China | $3.2M | 16% |
| United States | $2.2M | 11% |
| Taiwan | $1.6M | 8.1% |
| Thailand | $1.6M | 8.1% |
| Germany | $990K | 4.9% |
| Spain | $933K | 4.6% |
| Malaysia | $823K | 4.1% |
| India | $444K | 2.2% |
| Vietnam | $335K | 1.7% |
Product types under HS 9002
| 9002.11 | Lenses: objective, for cameras, projectors or photographic enlargers or reducers, mounted, being parts or fittings for instruments or apparatus, of… | 68% |
| 9002.90 | Optical elements: n.e.c. in heading no. 9002 (e.g. prisms and mirrors), mounted, being parts or fittings for instruments or apparatus, of any… | 17% |
| 9002.19 | Lenses: objective, (other than for cameras, projectors or photographic enlargers or reducers), mounted, of any material (excluding elements of glass… | 9% |
| 9002.20 | Filters: mounted as parts or fittings for instruments or apparatus, of any material (excluding elements of glass not optically worked) | 6.3% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 9002.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $43.51 per kg, 90% below the world average of $452.00, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Optical elements exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $3.3 million of optical elements in 2024 (56 tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (23%), Nigeria (13%), Ukraine (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 47%. Among the main buyer markets, Nigeria grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $737K | 23% |
| Nigeria | $420K | 13% |
| Ukraine | $393K | 12% |
| Hong Kong | $245K | 7.5% |
| Botswana | $190K | 5.8% |
| Kenya | $88K | 2.7% |
| Germany | $85K | 2.6% |
| Eswatini | $79K | 2.4% |
| Zambia | $75K | 2.3% |
| United States | $73K | 2.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
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.
Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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.
Common questions
What is the value of optical elements imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported optical elements worth $20.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 467 tonnes. That ranks it 46th of 220 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 14% on 2023.
Which countries supply optical elements to South Africa?
Japan was the largest supplier with 32% of the value ($6.5 million), followed by China (16%) and the United States (11%). The top three together account for 59%, out of 67 supplier countries in total. Spain grew fastest among the top ten, up 142% on the year.
What is the average import price of optical elements per kg?
The average declared import value was about $43.51 per kg in 2024, 90% below the world average of $452.00 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have imports of optical elements to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $24.5 million in 2017 to $20.3 million in 2024, a fall of 17%. The peak was 2017 at $24.5 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export optical elements?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Nigeria and Ukraine. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $17.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for optical elements?
The HS code for optical elements is heading 9002. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 9002.11 (68% of the value) and 9002.90 (17%). 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 9002 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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