Optical fibre cables imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United Kingdom imported optical fibre cables worth $80.2 million (1.9 thousand tonnes). It ranks 7th of 202 countries for imports of this product. That is 28% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $124.9 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 | $80.2M | 1.9K t |
| 2023 | $111.3M | 2.5K t |
| 2022 | $124.9M | 3.6K t |
| 2021 | $88.5M | 3.5K t |
| 2020 | $73.5M | 2.2K t |
| 2019 | $67.4M | 2.1K t |
| 2018 | $72.4M | 2.4K t |
| 2017 | $59.8M | 2.0K t |
Where the United Kingdom imports optical fibre cables from
The largest suppliers were India (49%), United States (18%), China (7%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $39.7M | 49% |
| United States | $14.3M | 18% |
| China | $5.5M | 6.9% |
| Germany | $5.0M | 6.3% |
| Netherlands | $3.2M | 4% |
| Japan | $2.9M | 3.6% |
| France | $2.8M | 3.5% |
| Canada | $1.7M | 2.2% |
| Poland | $915K | 1.1% |
| Czech Republic | $827K | 1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $43.34 per kg, close to the world average of $42.33.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Optical fibre cables exports from the United Kingdom
In 2024, the United Kingdom exported optical fibre cables worth $54.8 million (253 tonnes). It ranks 9th of 122 countries for exports of this product. The largest buyer markets were United States (30%), Germany (23%), Italy (7%). Among the main buyer markets, India grew fastest (+492% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $16.6M | 30% |
| Germany | $12.4M | 23% |
| Italy | $3.8M | 7% |
| India | $3.0M | 5.4% |
| China | $2.8M | 5.1% |
| France | $2.6M | 4.8% |
| South Korea | $2.3M | 4.2% |
| Hong Kong | $2.2M | 4% |
| Netherlands | $875K | 1.6% |
| Norway | $874K | 1.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom optical fibre cables imports (HS 9001.10): 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 9001.10: Optical fibres, optical fibre bundles and cables: excluding those of heading no. 8544.
Common questions
What is the value of optical fibre cables imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported optical fibre cables worth $80.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 7th of 202 countries worldwide, with 4% of world imports. The value was down 28% on 2023.
Which countries supply optical fibre cables to the United Kingdom?
India was the largest supplier with 49% of the value ($39.7 million), followed by the United States (18%) and China (7%). The top three together account for 74%, out of 51 supplier countries in total. Poland grew fastest among the top ten, up 261% on the year.
What is the average import price of optical fibre cables per kg?
The average declared import value was about $43.34 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $42.33 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 fibre cables to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $59.8 million in 2017 to $80.2 million in 2024, an increase of 34%. The peak was 2022 at $124.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $84.8 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export optical fibre cables?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $54.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, Germany and Italy. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $25.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for optical fibre cables?
The HS code for optical fibre cables is subheading 9001.10. 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?
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 fibre cables trade: top importers and exporters
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