Plastic spectacle lenses imports in the United Arab Emirates: data, top suppliers and prices
The United Arab Emirates imported $37.6 million of plastic spectacle lenses in 2024 (563 tonnes). The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 12% a year on average.
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 | $37.6M | 563 t |
| 2023 | $37.2M | 459 t |
| 2022 | $38.8M | 501 t |
| 2021 | $33.6M | 1.7K t |
| 2020 | $38.2M | 404 t |
| 2019 | $34.5M | 276 t |
| 2018 | $30.7M | 338 t |
| 2017 | $17.0M | 110 t |
Where the United Arab Emirates imports plastic spectacle lenses from
The largest suppliers were China (36%), India (30%), Thailand (8%). Among the main suppliers, Belgium grew fastest (+241% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $13.4M | 36% |
| India | $11.2M | 30% |
| Thailand | $2.9M | 7.8% |
| Czech Republic | $1.7M | 4.5% |
| Japan | $1.3M | 3.5% |
| Philippines | $1.3M | 3.4% |
| Germany | $1.2M | 3.2% |
| Hong Kong | $1.2M | 3.1% |
| Belgium | $1.0M | 2.8% |
| Hungary | $891K | 2.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $66.78 per kg, 32% below the world average of $98.68, 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 lenses exports from the United Arab Emirates
Exports of plastic spectacle lenses by the United Arab Emirates reached $16.9 million in 2024 (103 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Saudi Arabia accounted for 64% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Saudi Arabia grew fastest (+110% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | $10.9M | 64% |
| South Africa | $1.1M | 6.3% |
| Qatar | $1.0M | 6% |
| Israel | $759K | 4.5% |
| Nigeria | $715K | 4.2% |
| Mauritius | $499K | 3% |
| Bahrain | $451K | 2.7% |
| Kenya | $344K | 2% |
| India | $244K | 1.4% |
| Lebanon | $146K | 0.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Arab Emirates?
The shipment records behind United Arab Emirates 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 the United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates imported plastic spectacle lenses worth $37.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 563 tonnes. That ranks it 33rd of 207 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 1% on 2023.
Which countries supply plastic spectacle lenses to the United Arab Emirates?
China was the largest supplier with 36% of the value ($13.4 million), followed by India (30%) and Thailand (8%). The top three together account for 73%, out of 32 supplier countries in total. Belgium grew fastest among the top ten, up 241% on the year.
What is the average import price of plastic spectacle lenses per kg?
The average declared import value was about $66.78 per kg in 2024, 32% below 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 the United Arab Emirates changed since 2017?
Imports went from $17.0 million in 2017 to $37.6 million in 2024, an increase of 121%. The peak was 2022 at $38.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $33.5 million a year.
Does the United Arab Emirates also export plastic spectacle lenses?
Yes. The United Arab Emirates exported $16.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Qatar. On balance the United Arab Emirates is a net importer of this product, by about $20.7 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?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for the United Arab Emirates. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World plastic spectacle lenses trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United Arab Emirates
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