Optical fiber manufacturing machines exports from the United Kingdom: data, top buyers and prices
The United Kingdom exported $9.7 million of optical fiber manufacturing machines in 2024 (287 tonnes). That makes it the 3rd largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 40 countries. That is 73% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2019, at $16.2 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $9.7M | 287 t |
| 2023 | $5.6M | 91 t |
| 2022 | $4.1M | 27 t |
| 2021 | $4.9M | 660 t |
| 2020 | $3.2M | 24 t |
| 2019 | $16.2M | 150 t |
| 2018 | $11.4M | 195 t |
| 2017 | $7.6M | 256 t |
Where the United Kingdom exports optical fiber manufacturing machines to
One buyer market dominates: India accounted for 87% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, India grew fastest (+231% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $8.4M | 87% |
| China | $910K | 9.4% |
| United States | $229K | 2.4% |
| Brazil | $44K | 0.5% |
| Israel | $23K | 0.2% |
| Hong Kong | $16K | 0.2% |
| South Korea | $8K | 0.1% |
| Angola | $6K | 0.1% |
| Germany | $4K | 0% |
| Belgium | $3K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $33.73 per kg, 48% below the world average of $64.46, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Optical fiber manufacturing machines imports to the United Kingdom
In 2024, the United Kingdom imported optical fiber manufacturing machines worth $3.6 million (8 tonnes). That makes it the 4th largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 83 countries. One supplier dominates: Finland accounted for 90% of the value. Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+491% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Finland | $3.2M | 90% |
| United States | $229K | 6.4% |
| China | $74K | 2.1% |
| Spain | $16K | 0.4% |
| Italy | $14K | 0.4% |
| Netherlands | $12K | 0.3% |
| South Korea | $7K | 0.2% |
| France | $1K | 0% |
| Sweden | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom optical fiber manufacturing machines exports (HS 8475.21): 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 8475.21: Machines: for manufacturing or hot working glass or glassware, for making optical fibres and preforms thereof.
Common questions
What is the value of optical fiber manufacturing machines exported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom exported optical fiber manufacturing machines worth $9.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 287 tonnes. That ranks it 3rd of 40 countries worldwide, with 15% of world exports. The value was up 73% on 2023.
Which countries buy optical fiber manufacturing machines from the United Kingdom?
India was the largest buyer with 87% of the value ($8.4 million), followed by China (9%) and the United States (2%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 15 buyer countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 234% on the year.
What is the average export price of optical fiber manufacturing machines per kg?
The average declared export value was about $33.73 per kg in 2024, 48% below the world average of $64.46 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of optical fiber manufacturing machines from the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Exports went from $7.6 million in 2017 to $9.7 million in 2024, an increase of 27%. The peak was 2019 at $16.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $7.8 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also import optical fiber manufacturing machines?
Yes. The United Kingdom imported $3.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Finland, the United States and China. On balance the United Kingdom is a net exporter of this product, by about $6.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for optical fiber manufacturing machines?
The HS code for optical fiber manufacturing machines is subheading 8475.21. It sits in HS chapter 84 (machinery and mechanical appliances, boilers, nuclear reactors; parts thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8475 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 fiber manufacturing machines trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United Kingdom
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