Glass beads and imitation pearls imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United Kingdom imported glass beads and imitation pearls worth $7.5 million (764 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 18% on 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 | $7.5M | 764 t |
| 2023 | $6.3M | 664 t |
| 2022 | $7.6M | 661 t |
| 2021 | $6.5M | 760 t |
| 2020 | $4.3M | 518 t |
| 2019 | $4.9M | 543 t |
| 2018 | $4.8M | 759 t |
| 2017 | $7.2M | 1.1K t |
Where the United Kingdom imports glass beads and imitation pearls from
The largest suppliers were China (32%), Austria (22%), Czech Republic (13%). Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest (+76% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.4M | 33% |
| Austria | $1.7M | 23% |
| Czech Republic | $991K | 13% |
| Canada | $860K | 12% |
| India | $449K | 6% |
| Japan | $186K | 2.5% |
| United States | $183K | 2.5% |
| Italy | $151K | 2% |
| Hong Kong | $96K | 1.3% |
| Ireland | $80K | 1.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $9.76 per kg, 100% above the world average of $4.87. 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.
Glass beads and imitation pearls exports from the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom exported $2.4 million of glass beads and imitation pearls in 2024 (128 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were United States (39%), Hong Kong (20%), Ireland (4%). Among the main buyer markets, Hong Kong grew fastest (+776% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $930K | 39% |
| Hong Kong | $464K | 20% |
| Ireland | $97K | 4.1% |
| France | $96K | 4% |
| Qatar | $84K | 3.5% |
| Spain | $76K | 3.2% |
| United Arab Emirates | $72K | 3.1% |
| Germany | $45K | 1.9% |
| Netherlands | $44K | 1.9% |
| China | $41K | 1.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom glass beads and imitation pearls imports (HS 7018.10): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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 7018.10: Glass: beads, imitation pearls, imitation precious or semi-precious stones and similar glass smallwares.
Common questions
What is the value of glass beads and imitation pearls imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported glass beads and imitation pearls worth $7.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 764 tonnes. That ranks it 28th of 198 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 18% on 2023.
Which countries supply glass beads and imitation pearls to the United Kingdom?
China was the largest supplier with 32% of the value ($2.4 million), followed by Austria (22%) and the Czech Republic (13%). The top three together account for 68%, out of 49 supplier countries in total. Ireland grew fastest among the top ten, up 256% on the year.
What is the average import price of glass beads and imitation pearls per kg?
The average declared import value was about $9.76 per kg in 2024, 100% above the world average of $4.87 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of glass beads and imitation pearls to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $7.2 million in 2017 to $7.5 million in 2024, an increase of 4%. The peak was 2022 at $7.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $6.1 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export glass beads and imitation pearls?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $2.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, Hong Kong and Ireland. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $5.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for glass beads and imitation pearls?
The HS code for glass beads and imitation pearls is subheading 7018.10. It sits in HS chapter 70 (glass and glassware). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7018 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 glass beads and imitation pearls trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United Kingdom
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.