Plastic spectacle frames imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported plastic spectacle frames worth $18.1 million (150 tonnes). That is 3% more than in 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 | $18.1M | 150 t |
| 2023 | $17.5M | 61 t |
| 2022 | $15.6M | 58 t |
| 2021 | $17.4M | 65 t |
| 2020 | $11.1M | 37 t |
| 2019 | $17.2M | 62 t |
| 2018 | $15.5M | 56 t |
| 2017 | $14.0M | 56 t |
Where South Africa imports plastic spectacle frames from
China alone supplied 61% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $11.0M | 61% |
| Italy | $5.0M | 28% |
| Hong Kong | $467K | 2.6% |
| Thailand | $419K | 2.3% |
| Denmark | $251K | 1.4% |
| Spain | $126K | 0.7% |
| France | $98K | 0.5% |
| Belgium | $87K | 0.5% |
| Vietnam | $79K | 0.4% |
| Taiwan | $66K | 0.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $120.20 per kg, 37% below the world average of $190.98, 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.
Plastic spectacle frames exports from South Africa
Exports of plastic spectacle frames by South Africa reached $1.4 million in 2024 (7 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Botswana (15%), Mozambique (15%), Mauritius (14%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 45%. Among the main buyer markets, Ethiopia grew fastest (+218% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $218K | 15% |
| Mozambique | $213K | 15% |
| Mauritius | $199K | 14% |
| Italy | $132K | 9.3% |
| Namibia | $120K | 8.5% |
| Tanzania | $98K | 6.9% |
| Zimbabwe | $98K | 6.9% |
| Seychelles | $75K | 5.3% |
| Uganda | $48K | 3.4% |
| Ethiopia | $33K | 2.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa plastic spectacle frames imports (HS 9003.11): 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 9003.11: Frames and mountings: for spectacles, goggles or the like, of plastics.
Common questions
What is the value of plastic spectacle frames imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported plastic spectacle frames worth $18.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 150 tonnes. That ranks it 33rd of 208 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 3% on 2023.
Which countries supply plastic spectacle frames to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 61% of the value ($11.0 million), followed by Italy (28%) and Hong Kong (3%). The top three together account for 91%, out of 43 supplier countries in total. Vietnam grew fastest among the top ten, up 180% on the year.
What is the average import price of plastic spectacle frames per kg?
The average declared import value was about $120.20 per kg in 2024, 37% below the world average of $190.98 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of plastic spectacle frames to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $14.0 million in 2017 to $18.1 million in 2024, an increase of 29%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $15.8 million a year.
Does South Africa also export plastic spectacle frames?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Mozambique and Mauritius. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $16.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for plastic spectacle frames?
The HS code for plastic spectacle frames is subheading 9003.11. 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 9003 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 plastic spectacle frames trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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