Optical elements (other) imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of optical elements (other) by the United Kingdom reached $144.7 million in 2024 (674 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. Value fell 10% from 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 | $144.7M | 674 t |
| 2023 | $160.9M | 525 t |
| 2022 | $161.0M | 831 t |
| 2021 | $147.6M | 653 t |
| 2020 | $128.6M | 416 t |
| 2019 | $130.3M | 1.1K t |
| 2018 | $134.9M | 952 t |
| 2017 | $131.8M | 799 t |
Where the United Kingdom imports optical elements (other) from
The largest suppliers were United States (27%), China (20%), Germany (14%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $39.7M | 28% |
| China | $29.4M | 20% |
| Germany | $19.8M | 14% |
| Singapore | $8.7M | 6% |
| Philippines | $8.5M | 5.9% |
| Switzerland | $6.0M | 4.1% |
| Israel | $4.2M | 2.9% |
| France | $4.2M | 2.9% |
| Canada | $3.7M | 2.5% |
| Japan | $2.9M | 2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $214.68 per kg, 346% above the world average of $48.11. 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.
Optical elements (other) exports from the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom exported $110.2 million of optical elements (other) in 2024 (428 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Most of it went to United States (20%), Germany (18%), Ukraine (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Norway grew fastest (+96% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $22.6M | 21% |
| Germany | $19.5M | 18% |
| Ukraine | $13.0M | 12% |
| Canada | $7.9M | 7.1% |
| Norway | $6.1M | 5.5% |
| France | $5.8M | 5.2% |
| Italy | $4.8M | 4.3% |
| Netherlands | $3.6M | 3.3% |
| Israel | $3.0M | 2.8% |
| Switzerland | $3.0M | 2.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom optical elements (other) imports (HS 9001.90): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 9001.90: Optical elements: lenses n.e.c. in heading no. 9001, prisms, mirrors and other optical elements, unmounted, of any material (excluding elements of glass not optically worked).
Common questions
What is the value of optical elements (other) imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported optical elements (other) worth $144.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 674 tonnes. That ranks it 13th of 198 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was down 10% on 2023.
Which countries supply optical elements (other) to the United Kingdom?
The United States was the largest supplier with 27% of the value ($39.7 million), followed by China (20%) and Germany (14%). The top three together account for 61%, out of 54 supplier countries in total. Canada grew fastest among the top ten, up 17% on the year.
What is the average import price of optical elements (other) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $214.68 per kg in 2024, 346% above the world average of $48.11 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of optical elements (other) to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $131.8 million in 2017 to $144.7 million in 2024, an increase of 10%. The peak was 2022 at $161.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $142.5 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export optical elements (other)?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $110.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, Germany and Ukraine. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $34.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for optical elements (other)?
The HS code for optical elements (other) is subheading 9001.90. 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?
Shipment-level records for the United Kingdom reach EximDataX from a direct customs feed, with company names, dates and declared values. We can show them for your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World optical elements (other) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United Kingdom
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