Metal spectacle frames imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
The United Kingdom imported $63.3 million of metal spectacle frames in 2024 (256 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2019, at $96.6 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 | $63.3M | 257 t |
| 2023 | $62.6M | 247 t |
| 2022 | $67.3M | 292 t |
| 2021 | $61.5M | 275 t |
| 2020 | $84.0M | 356 t |
| 2019 | $96.6M | 430 t |
| 2018 | $77.8M | 358 t |
| 2017 | $79.9M | 361 t |
Where the United Kingdom imports metal spectacle frames from
Most of the value came from China (45%), Italy (25%), Denmark (5%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $28.7M | 45% |
| Italy | $16.0M | 25% |
| Denmark | $3.3M | 5.2% |
| Hong Kong | $3.0M | 4.8% |
| Japan | $2.8M | 4.4% |
| Austria | $1.9M | 3% |
| France | $1.6M | 2.5% |
| Germany | $1.4M | 2.3% |
| Thailand | $1.2M | 1.9% |
| Netherlands | $537K | 0.9% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $246.90 per kg, close to the world average of $247.25.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Metal spectacle frames exports from the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom exported $13.6 million of metal spectacle frames in 2024 (33 tonnes). Most of it went to Thailand (27%), Germany (10%), Hungary (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 47%. Among the main buyer markets, France grew fastest (+451% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | $3.7M | 27% |
| Germany | $1.4M | 10% |
| Hungary | $1.3M | 9.7% |
| Italy | $1.0M | 7.5% |
| Netherlands | $750K | 5.5% |
| Ireland | $643K | 4.7% |
| Poland | $586K | 4.3% |
| United States | $486K | 3.6% |
| France | $485K | 3.6% |
| Serbia | $352K | 2.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom metal spectacle frames imports (HS 9003.19): 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 9003.19: Frames and mountings: for spectacles, goggles or the like, of materials other than plastics.
Common questions
What is the value of metal spectacle frames imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported metal spectacle frames worth $63.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 256 tonnes. That ranks it 14th of 205 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was up 1% on 2023.
Which countries supply metal spectacle frames to the United Kingdom?
China was the largest supplier with 45% of the value ($28.7 million), followed by Italy (25%) and Denmark (5%). The top three together account for 76%, out of 48 supplier countries in total. Hong Kong grew fastest among the top ten, up 26% on the year.
What is the average import price of metal spectacle frames per kg?
The average declared import value was about $246.90 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $247.25 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of metal spectacle frames to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $79.9 million in 2017 to $63.3 million in 2024, a fall of 21%. The peak was 2019 at $96.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $74.1 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export metal spectacle frames?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $13.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Thailand, Germany and Hungary. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $49.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for metal spectacle frames?
The HS code for metal spectacle frames is subheading 9003.19. 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 9003 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX has a direct customs feed for the United Kingdom, so the importers and exporters behind these totals are visible by name, shipment by shipment. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World metal spectacle frames trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United Kingdom
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