Optical fibres and lenses imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $55.7 million of optical fibres and lenses in 2024 (1.1 thousand tonnes). Value fell 12% from 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 | $55.7M | 1.1K t |
| 2023 | $63.4M | 962 t |
| 2022 | $62.3M | 1.0K t |
| 2021 | $64.0M | 846 t |
| 2020 | $47.9M | 643 t |
| 2019 | $64.1M | 507 t |
| 2018 | $57.4M | 438 t |
| 2017 | $49.9M | 430 t |
Where South Africa imports optical fibres and lenses from
The largest suppliers were China (26%), Thailand (19%), United Kingdom (13%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $14.6M | 26% |
| Thailand | $10.7M | 19% |
| United Kingdom | $7.1M | 13% |
| India | $3.6M | 6.4% |
| Philippines | $2.9M | 5.1% |
| Switzerland | $2.5M | 4.4% |
| Germany | $2.2M | 3.9% |
| United States | $1.6M | 2.8% |
| Hungary | $1.4M | 2.5% |
| Indonesia | $1.2M | 2.2% |
Product types under HS 9001
| 9001.50 | Lenses, spectacle: unmounted, of materials other than glass | 37% |
| 9001.10 | Optical fibres, optical fibre bundles and cables: excluding those of heading no. 8544 | 25% |
| 9001.30 | Lenses, contact: unmounted, of any material, excluding elements of glass not optically worked | 18% |
| 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… | 14% |
| 9001.40 | Lenses, spectacle: unmounted, of glass, excluding elements of glass not optically worked | 5.3% |
| 9001.20 | Optical elements: polarising material, sheets and plates thereof | 0.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 9001.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $52.76 per kg, 22% below the world average of $67.96, 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 fibres and lenses exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported optical fibres and lenses worth $8.0 million (822 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Namibia (34%), Germany (10%), Mauritius (9%). Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $2.7M | 34% |
| Germany | $790K | 9.9% |
| Mauritius | $730K | 9.1% |
| Botswana | $655K | 8.2% |
| DR Congo | $579K | 7.3% |
| Eswatini | $457K | 5.7% |
| Zambia | $430K | 5.4% |
| Zimbabwe | $203K | 2.5% |
| Lesotho | $192K | 2.4% |
| Czech Republic | $127K | 1.6% |
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 9001: Optical fibres and optical fibre bundles; optical fibre cables not of heading no. 8544; sheets, plates of polarising material; lenses, prisms, mirrors, of any material; unmounted; not non optical glass.
Common questions
What is the value of optical fibres and lenses imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported optical fibres and lenses worth $55.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 48th of 215 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 12% on 2023.
Which countries supply optical fibres and lenses to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 26% of the value ($14.6 million), followed by Thailand (19%) and the United Kingdom (13%). The top three together account for 58%, out of 74 supplier countries in total. Hungary grew fastest among the top ten, up 29% on the year.
What is the average import price of optical fibres and lenses per kg?
The average declared import value was about $52.76 per kg in 2024, 22% below the world average of $67.96 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 fibres and lenses to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $49.9 million in 2017 to $55.7 million in 2024, an increase of 12%. The peak was 2019 at $64.1 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export optical fibres and lenses?
Yes. South Africa exported $8.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Germany and Mauritius. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $47.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for optical fibres and lenses?
The HS code for optical fibres and lenses is heading 9001. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 9001.50 (37% of the value) and 9001.10 (25%). 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?
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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