Plastic spectacle lenses imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported plastic spectacle lenses worth $20.7 million (208 tonnes). That is close to the 2023 level. 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 | $20.7M | 208 t |
| 2023 | $20.9M | 106 t |
| 2022 | $21.5M | 222 t |
| 2021 | $23.6M | 118 t |
| 2020 | $19.6M | 192 t |
| 2019 | $18.1M | 94 t |
| 2018 | $16.9M | 70 t |
| 2017 | $19.0M | 98 t |
Where South Africa imports plastic spectacle lenses from
Most of the value came from Thailand (43%), China (20%), Philippines (14%). Among the main suppliers, Hungary grew fastest (+33% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | $8.9M | 43% |
| China | $4.0M | 20% |
| Philippines | $2.8M | 14% |
| India | $1.4M | 6.7% |
| United Arab Emirates | $1.1M | 5.2% |
| Hungary | $754K | 3.7% |
| Mexico | $427K | 2.1% |
| Vietnam | $348K | 1.7% |
| Germany | $215K | 1% |
| Serbia | $144K | 0.7% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $99.45 per kg, close to the world average of $98.68.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Plastic spectacle lenses exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $2.2 million of plastic spectacle lenses in 2024 (11 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Namibia accounted for 57% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $1.3M | 57% |
| Mauritius | $235K | 11% |
| Botswana | $188K | 8.5% |
| Eswatini | $80K | 3.6% |
| Zambia | $70K | 3.2% |
| DR Congo | $70K | 3.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $68K | 3.1% |
| Mozambique | $59K | 2.7% |
| Lesotho | $34K | 1.5% |
| Kenya | $30K | 1.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa plastic spectacle lenses imports (HS 9001.50): 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 9001.50: Lenses, spectacle: unmounted, of materials other than glass.
Common questions
What is the value of plastic spectacle lenses imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported plastic spectacle lenses worth $20.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 208 tonnes. That ranks it 43rd of 207 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 1% on 2023.
Which countries supply plastic spectacle lenses to South Africa?
Thailand was the largest supplier with 43% of the value ($8.9 million), followed by China (20%) and the Philippines (14%). The top three together account for 76%, out of 42 supplier countries in total. Hungary grew fastest among the top ten, up 33% on the year.
What is the average import price of plastic spectacle lenses per kg?
The average declared import value was about $99.45 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $98.68 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of plastic spectacle lenses to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $19.0 million in 2017 to $20.7 million in 2024, an increase of 9%. The peak was 2021 at $23.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $20.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export plastic spectacle lenses?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Mauritius and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $18.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for plastic spectacle lenses?
The HS code for plastic spectacle lenses is subheading 9001.50. 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?
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 plastic spectacle lenses trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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