Glass spectacle lenses imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United Kingdom imported glass spectacle lenses worth $7.0 million (65 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. Value fell 45% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 8% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2021, at $23.0 million.
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 | $7.0M | 65 t |
| 2023 | $12.8M | 89 t |
| 2022 | $6.2M | 136 t |
| 2021 | $23.0M | 250 t |
| 2020 | $13.8M | 152 t |
| 2019 | $16.4M | 215 t |
| 2018 | $14.3M | 115 t |
| 2017 | $13.1M | 125 t |
Where the United Kingdom imports glass spectacle lenses from
One supplier dominates: Philippines accounted for 72% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Philippines grew fastest (+147% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Philippines | $5.0M | 72% |
| China | $1.5M | 21% |
| United States | $135K | 1.9% |
| Italy | $81K | 1.2% |
| Portugal | $56K | 0.8% |
| France | $37K | 0.5% |
| Germany | $33K | 0.5% |
| Thailand | $26K | 0.4% |
| Netherlands | $22K | 0.3% |
| Ireland | $19K | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $107.99 per kg, 88% above the world average of $57.50. 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 spectacle lenses exports from the United Kingdom
In 2024, the United Kingdom exported glass spectacle lenses worth $1.3 million (13 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Nigeria (19%), Germany (15%), United States (11%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 45%. Among the main buyer markets, Switzerland grew fastest (+451% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | $255K | 19% |
| Germany | $198K | 15% |
| United States | $144K | 11% |
| Czech Republic | $110K | 8.3% |
| Spain | $75K | 5.6% |
| Ireland | $75K | 5.6% |
| Switzerland | $66K | 5% |
| Cayman Isds | $59K | 4.4% |
| France | $47K | 3.5% |
| China | $40K | 3% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom glass spectacle lenses imports (HS 9001.40): 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 9001.40: Lenses, spectacle: unmounted, of glass, excluding elements of glass not optically worked.
Common questions
What is the value of glass spectacle lenses imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported glass spectacle lenses worth $7.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 65 tonnes. That ranks it 11th of 189 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was down 45% on 2023.
Which countries supply glass spectacle lenses to the United Kingdom?
The Philippines was the largest supplier with 72% of the value ($5.0 million), followed by China (21%) and the United States (2%). The top three together account for 95%, out of 35 supplier countries in total. Ireland grew fastest among the top ten, up 357% on the year.
What is the average import price of glass spectacle lenses per kg?
The average declared import value was about $107.99 per kg in 2024, 88% above the world average of $57.50 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of glass spectacle lenses to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $13.1 million in 2017 to $7.0 million in 2024, a fall of 46%. The peak was 2021 at $23.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $13.3 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export glass spectacle lenses?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $1.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Nigeria, Germany and the United States. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $5.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for glass spectacle lenses?
The HS code for glass spectacle lenses is subheading 9001.40. 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; 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 spectacle lenses 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.