Optical elements (other) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of optical elements (other) by South Africa reached $7.9 million in 2024 (66 tonnes). Value rose 5% 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 | $7.9M | 66 t |
| 2023 | $7.5M | 201 t |
| 2022 | $7.4M | 282 t |
| 2021 | $6.7M | 115 t |
| 2020 | $4.0M | 36 t |
| 2019 | $5.8M | 97 t |
| 2018 | $5.7M | 75 t |
| 2017 | $6.0M | 64 t |
Where South Africa imports optical elements (other) from
The largest suppliers were Switzerland (29%), China (23%), Germany (12%). Among the main suppliers, South Korea grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | $2.3M | 29% |
| China | $1.8M | 23% |
| Germany | $913K | 12% |
| United States | $619K | 7.8% |
| Slovenia | $360K | 4.6% |
| South Korea | $356K | 4.5% |
| Singapore | $194K | 2.5% |
| United Kingdom | $190K | 2.4% |
| France | $149K | 1.9% |
| Bulgaria | $133K | 1.7% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $120.85 per kg, 151% above the world average of $48.11. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Optical elements (other) exports from South Africa
Exports of optical elements (other) by South Africa reached $1.5 million in 2024 (409 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Mauritius (24%), DR Congo (16%), Germany (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 49%. Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mauritius | $347K | 24% |
| DR Congo | $238K | 16% |
| Germany | $129K | 8.8% |
| Czech Republic | $127K | 8.7% |
| Botswana | $109K | 7.5% |
| Namibia | $102K | 7% |
| Kenya | $70K | 4.8% |
| Zimbabwe | $56K | 3.9% |
| Zambia | $43K | 2.9% |
| Hungary | $36K | 2.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa optical elements (other) imports (HS 9001.90): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 9001.90: Optical elements: lenses n.e.c. in heading no. 9001, prisms, mirrors and other optical elements, unmounted, of any material (excluding elements of glass not optically worked).
Common questions
What is the value of optical elements (other) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported optical elements (other) worth $7.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 66 tonnes. That ranks it 53rd of 198 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 5% on 2023.
Which countries supply optical elements (other) to South Africa?
Switzerland was the largest supplier with 29% of the value ($2.3 million), followed by China (23%) and Germany (12%). The top three together account for 63%, out of 53 supplier countries in total. Switzerland grew fastest among the top ten, up 30% on the year.
What is the average import price of optical elements (other) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $120.85 per kg in 2024, 151% above the world average of $48.11 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of optical elements (other) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $6.0 million in 2017 to $7.9 million in 2024, an increase of 32%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $6.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export optical elements (other)?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Mauritius, the DR Congo and Germany. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $6.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for optical elements (other)?
The HS code for optical elements (other) is subheading 9001.90. 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 optical elements (other) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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