Communication apparatus (other) imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United Kingdom imported communication apparatus (other) worth $544.2 million (3.8 thousand tonnes). It ranks 4th of 223 countries for imports of this product. That is 9% less 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
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $544.2M | 3.8K t |
| 2023 | $600.7M | 5.5K t |
| 2022 | $645.8M | 4.6K t |
| 2021 | $372.3M | 3.9K t |
| 2020 | $281.0M | 2.3K t |
| 2019 | $327.7M | 2.4K t |
| 2018 | $338.5M | 2.4K t |
| 2017 | $324.0M | 2.6K t |
Where the United Kingdom imports communication apparatus (other) from
The largest suppliers were China (30%), Vietnam (27%), United States (9%). Among the main suppliers, Sweden grew fastest (+132% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $164.7M | 30% |
| Vietnam | $147.0M | 27% |
| United States | $51.1M | 9.4% |
| Italy | $21.9M | 4% |
| Germany | $19.6M | 3.6% |
| France | $15.7M | 2.9% |
| Taiwan | $10.8M | 2% |
| Sweden | $9.7M | 1.8% |
| Malaysia | $9.5M | 1.7% |
| Japan | $7.5M | 1.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $141.81 per kg, 24% above the world average of $114.21. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Communication apparatus (other) exports from the United Kingdom
Exports of communication apparatus (other) by the United Kingdom reached $268.6 million in 2024 (1.3 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 8th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 188 countries. Most of it went to United States (21%), Netherlands (9%), Slovakia (8%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 38%. Among the main buyer markets, China grew fastest (+101% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $57.6M | 21% |
| Netherlands | $24.0M | 8.9% |
| Slovakia | $21.5M | 8% |
| Germany | $16.7M | 6.2% |
| Ukraine | $15.7M | 5.8% |
| Italy | $14.8M | 5.5% |
| France | $14.1M | 5.3% |
| China | $8.8M | 3.3% |
| Ireland | $8.8M | 3.3% |
| Hong Kong | $7.7M | 2.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom communication apparatus (other) imports (HS 8517.69): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Direct customs feed: shipment-level records from the official customs source.
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 8517.69: Communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations): machines for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data (including wired/wireless networks), n.e.c. in item no. 8517.6.
Common questions
What is the value of communication apparatus (other) imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported communication apparatus (other) worth $544.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 4th of 223 countries worldwide, with 6% of world imports. The value was down 9% on 2023.
Which countries supply communication apparatus (other) to the United Kingdom?
China was the largest supplier with 30% of the value ($164.7 million), followed by Vietnam (27%) and the United States (9%). The top three together account for 67%, out of 85 supplier countries in total. Sweden grew fastest among the top ten, up 132% on the year.
What is the average import price of communication apparatus (other) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $141.81 per kg in 2024, 24% above the world average of $114.21 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of communication apparatus (other) to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $324.0 million in 2017 to $544.2 million in 2024, an increase of 68%. The peak was 2022 at $645.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $429.3 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export communication apparatus (other)?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $268.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, the Netherlands and Slovakia. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $275.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for communication apparatus (other)?
The HS code for communication apparatus (other) is subheading 8517.69. It sits in HS chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers; television image and sound recorders and reproducers, parts and accessories of such articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8517 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; the company-level detail sits in EximDataX, which has a direct customs feed for the United Kingdom. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World communication apparatus (other) trade: top importers and exporters
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