Optical filters imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United Kingdom imported optical filters worth $16.9 million (53 tonnes). It ranks 9th of 199 countries for imports of this product. Value rose 5% on 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 | $16.9M | 53 t |
| 2023 | $16.1M | 59 t |
| 2022 | $16.1M | 63 t |
| 2021 | $15.8M | 67 t |
| 2020 | $14.4M | 64 t |
| 2019 | $18.7M | 97 t |
| 2018 | $18.1M | 66 t |
| 2017 | $15.6M | 72 t |
Where the United Kingdom imports optical filters from
Most of the value came from United States (39%), China (20%), Japan (14%). Among the main suppliers, Ireland grew fastest (+210% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $6.7M | 40% |
| China | $3.4M | 20% |
| Japan | $2.3M | 14% |
| Germany | $1.6M | 9.6% |
| Canada | $426K | 2.5% |
| Ireland | $388K | 2.3% |
| Netherlands | $264K | 1.6% |
| France | $204K | 1.2% |
| Taiwan | $199K | 1.2% |
| Belgium | $163K | 1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $318.46 per kg, 268% above the world average of $86.53. 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 filters exports from the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom exported $13.0 million of optical filters in 2024 (102 tonnes). That makes it the 7th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 133 countries. Most of it went to United States (33%), Ireland (16%), Germany (7%). Among the main buyer markets, Norway grew fastest (+236% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $4.3M | 33% |
| Ireland | $2.0M | 16% |
| Germany | $950K | 7.3% |
| France | $603K | 4.6% |
| Netherlands | $346K | 2.7% |
| Sweden | $310K | 2.4% |
| Belgium | $284K | 2.2% |
| China | $284K | 2.2% |
| Norway | $282K | 2.2% |
| Hong Kong | $280K | 2.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom optical filters imports (HS 9002.20): 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 9002.20: Filters: mounted as 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 filters imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported optical filters worth $16.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 53 tonnes. That ranks it 9th of 199 countries worldwide, with 3% of world imports. The value was up 5% on 2023.
Which countries supply optical filters to the United Kingdom?
The United States was the largest supplier with 39% of the value ($6.7 million), followed by China (20%) and Japan (14%). The top three together account for 73%, out of 47 supplier countries in total. Ireland grew fastest among the top ten, up 210% on the year.
What is the average import price of optical filters per kg?
The average declared import value was about $318.46 per kg in 2024, 268% above the world average of $86.53 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 filters to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $15.6 million in 2017 to $16.9 million in 2024, an increase of 8%. The peak was 2019 at $18.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $16.5 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export optical filters?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $13.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, Ireland and Germany. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $3.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for optical filters?
The HS code for optical filters is subheading 9002.20. 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?
EximDataX has a direct customs feed for the United Kingdom, so the importers and exporters behind these totals are visible by name, shipment by shipment. Ask for a live look at your product.
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