Optical elements (other mounted) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $3.4 million of optical elements (other mounted) in 2024 (411 tonnes). That is 3% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 6% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $5.1 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 | $3.4M | 411 t |
| 2023 | $3.5M | 129 t |
| 2022 | $2.5M | 76 t |
| 2021 | $2.4M | 215 t |
| 2020 | $1.8M | 32 t |
| 2019 | $2.5M | 147 t |
| 2018 | $3.4M | 44 t |
| 2017 | $5.1M | 1.0K t |
Where South Africa imports optical elements (other mounted) from
The largest suppliers were Spain (27%), China (21%), United States (13%). Among the main suppliers, Spain grew fastest (+716% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | $898K | 27% |
| China | $716K | 21% |
| United States | $442K | 13% |
| Germany | $365K | 11% |
| India | $350K | 10% |
| Japan | $127K | 3.8% |
| Sweden | $66K | 2% |
| United Kingdom | $61K | 1.8% |
| Kenya | $51K | 1.5% |
| Netherlands | $30K | 0.9% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $8.18 per kg, 97% below the world average of $305.51, 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 (other mounted) exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported optical elements (other mounted) worth $462 thousand (14 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Germany (18%), Botswana (15%), Mauritius (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 42%. Among the main buyer markets, Mauritius grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $81K | 18% |
| Botswana | $67K | 15% |
| Mauritius | $46K | 9.9% |
| Mexico | $41K | 8.8% |
| Hong Kong | $30K | 6.6% |
| Namibia | $22K | 4.7% |
| Zimbabwe | $20K | 4.4% |
| DR Congo | $20K | 4.2% |
| Zambia | $19K | 4.1% |
| Kenya | $19K | 4.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa optical elements (other mounted) imports (HS 9002.90): 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 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 material (excluding elements of glass not optically worked).
Common questions
What is the value of optical elements (other mounted) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported optical elements (other mounted) worth $3.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 411 tonnes. That ranks it 47th of 202 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 3% on 2023.
Which countries supply optical elements (other mounted) to South Africa?
Spain was the largest supplier with 27% of the value ($898 thousand), followed by China (21%) and the United States (13%). The top three together account for 61%, out of 47 supplier countries in total. Spain grew fastest among the top ten, up 716% on the year.
What is the average import price of optical elements (other mounted) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $8.18 per kg in 2024, 97% below the world average of $305.51 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of optical elements (other mounted) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.1 million in 2017 to $3.4 million in 2024, a fall of 34%. The peak was 2017 at $5.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also export optical elements (other mounted)?
Yes. South Africa exported $462 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Germany, Botswana and Mauritius. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for optical elements (other mounted)?
The HS code for optical elements (other mounted) is subheading 9002.90. 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 9002 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World optical elements (other mounted) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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