Optical elements (other mounted) imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of optical elements (other mounted) by the United Kingdom reached $55.5 million in 2024 (160 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value fell 8% 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 | $55.5M | 160 t |
| 2023 | $60.3M | 112 t |
| 2022 | $62.3M | 123 t |
| 2021 | $60.5M | 1.2K t |
| 2020 | $45.6M | 1.5K t |
| 2019 | $48.5M | 427 t |
| 2018 | $57.3M | 207 t |
| 2017 | $42.5M | 163 t |
Where the United Kingdom imports optical elements (other mounted) from
Most of the value came from China (38%), United States (17%), Germany (12%). Among the main suppliers, Singapore grew fastest (+70% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $21.3M | 38% |
| United States | $9.6M | 17% |
| Germany | $6.7M | 12% |
| Singapore | $4.9M | 8.8% |
| Japan | $3.6M | 6.6% |
| France | $1.4M | 2.6% |
| Netherlands | $844K | 1.5% |
| Romania | $791K | 1.4% |
| Poland | $691K | 1.2% |
| India | $669K | 1.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $346.39 per kg, close to the world average of $305.51.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Optical elements (other mounted) exports from the United Kingdom
Exports of optical elements (other mounted) by the United Kingdom reached $33.1 million in 2024 (93 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Most of it went to France (20%), United States (16%), Germany (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Canada grew fastest (+284% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $6.8M | 21% |
| United States | $5.3M | 16% |
| Germany | $4.9M | 15% |
| Japan | $2.4M | 7.4% |
| China | $2.1M | 6.4% |
| Belgium | $1.7M | 5.3% |
| Netherlands | $1.4M | 4.1% |
| Canada | $1.2M | 3.8% |
| Italy | $1.2M | 3.6% |
| Ireland | $659K | 2% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom optical elements (other mounted) imports (HS 9002.90): 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 9002.90: Optical elements: n.e.c. in heading no. 9002 (e.g. prisms and mirrors), mounted, being parts or fittings for instruments or apparatus, of any material (excluding elements of glass not optically worked).
Common questions
What is the value of optical elements (other mounted) imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported optical elements (other mounted) worth $55.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 160 tonnes. That ranks it 13th of 202 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 8% on 2023.
Which countries supply optical elements (other mounted) to the United Kingdom?
China was the largest supplier with 38% of the value ($21.3 million), followed by the United States (17%) and Germany (12%). The top three together account for 68%, out of 60 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 526% on the year.
What is the average import price of optical elements (other mounted) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $346.39 per kg in 2024, 13% above the world average of $305.51 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of optical elements (other mounted) to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $42.5 million in 2017 to $55.5 million in 2024, an increase of 31%. The peak was 2022 at $62.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $54.1 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export optical elements (other mounted)?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $33.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to France, the United States and Germany. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $22.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for optical elements (other mounted)?
The HS code for optical elements (other mounted) is subheading 9002.90. 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 9002 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 optical elements (other mounted) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United Kingdom
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