Ophthalmic instruments imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United Kingdom imported ophthalmic instruments worth $237.9 million (1.3 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 6th largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 211 countries. That is 3% more 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
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $237.9M | 1.3K t |
| 2023 | $230.5M | 1.4K t |
| 2022 | $228.5M | 1.2K t |
| 2021 | $196.6M | 1.1K t |
| 2020 | $160.1M | 1.1K t |
| 2019 | $200.0M | 1.5K t |
| 2018 | $193.2M | 1.4K t |
| 2017 | $165.4M | 1.9K t |
Where the United Kingdom imports ophthalmic instruments from
The largest suppliers were United States (30%), China (13%), Japan (8%). Among the main suppliers, Ireland grew fastest (+54% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $72.5M | 31% |
| China | $30.5M | 13% |
| Japan | $20.0M | 8.4% |
| Germany | $17.9M | 7.5% |
| Romania | $16.1M | 6.8% |
| France | $10.0M | 4.2% |
| Switzerland | $9.8M | 4.1% |
| Netherlands | $9.7M | 4.1% |
| Ireland | $7.0M | 2.9% |
| Mexico | $6.2M | 2.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $184.55 per kg, close to the world average of $216.35.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Ophthalmic instruments exports from the United Kingdom
In 2024, the United Kingdom exported ophthalmic instruments worth $201.1 million (941 tonnes). That makes it the 8th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 149 countries. The largest buyer markets were United States (31%), Japan (10%), France (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 50%. Among the main buyer markets, Japan grew fastest (+59% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $61.5M | 31% |
| Japan | $20.5M | 10% |
| France | $18.0M | 9% |
| China | $12.7M | 6.3% |
| Germany | $9.1M | 4.5% |
| Ireland | $7.9M | 4% |
| South Korea | $6.6M | 3.3% |
| Netherlands | $6.5M | 3.2% |
| Canada | $5.2M | 2.6% |
| Australia | $4.8M | 2.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom ophthalmic instruments imports (HS 9018.50): 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 9018.50: Ophthalmic instruments and appliances.
Common questions
What is the value of ophthalmic instruments imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported ophthalmic instruments worth $237.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 6th of 211 countries worldwide, with 4% of world imports. The value was up 3% on 2023.
Which countries supply ophthalmic instruments to the United Kingdom?
The United States was the largest supplier with 30% of the value ($72.5 million), followed by China (13%) and Japan (8%). The top three together account for 52%, out of 65 supplier countries in total. Ireland grew fastest among the top ten, up 54% on the year.
What is the average import price of ophthalmic instruments per kg?
The average declared import value was about $184.55 per kg in 2024, 15% below the world average of $216.35 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of ophthalmic instruments to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $165.4 million in 2017 to $237.9 million in 2024, an increase of 44%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $201.5 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export ophthalmic instruments?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $201.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, Japan and France. That compares with imports of $237.9 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for ophthalmic instruments?
The HS code for ophthalmic instruments is subheading 9018.50. 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 9018 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 ophthalmic instruments trade: top importers and exporters
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