Optical measurement instrument exports from the United Kingdom: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, the United Kingdom exported optical measurement instrument worth $242.4 million (648 tonnes). That makes it the 8th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 164 countries. That is close to the 2023 level. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $242.4M | 649 t |
| 2023 | $248.7M | 2.3K t |
| 2022 | $268.7M | 2.5K t |
| 2021 | $227.8M | 2.4K t |
| 2020 | $241.2M | 1.9K t |
| 2019 | $253.0M | 883 t |
| 2018 | $277.2M | 788 t |
| 2017 | $275.3M | 1.4K t |
Where the United Kingdom exports optical measurement instrument to
Most of it went to United States (16%), Germany (15%), China (13%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 43%. Among the main buyer markets, Switzerland grew fastest (+620% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $38.6M | 16% |
| Germany | $35.2M | 15% |
| China | $31.6M | 13% |
| Netherlands | $14.8M | 6.1% |
| Japan | $9.7M | 4% |
| Israel | $9.5M | 3.9% |
| Taiwan | $8.5M | 3.5% |
| Hong Kong | $7.7M | 3.2% |
| Ireland | $7.4M | 3.1% |
| Switzerland | $6.8M | 2.8% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $373.81 per kg, 239% above the world average of $110.20. 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 measurement instrument imports to the United Kingdom
Imports of optical measurement instrument by the United Kingdom reached $226.9 million in 2024 (1.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. Most of the value came from Germany (27%), China (17%), United States (11%). Among the main suppliers, Austria grew fastest (+126% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $61.3M | 27% |
| China | $39.1M | 17% |
| United States | $25.7M | 11% |
| Mexico | $17.1M | 7.5% |
| Japan | $15.2M | 6.7% |
| Italy | $7.1M | 3.1% |
| Canada | $7.0M | 3.1% |
| Sweden | $6.3M | 2.8% |
| Switzerland | $6.0M | 2.7% |
| Austria | $5.7M | 2.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom optical measurement instrument exports (HS 9031.49): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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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 9031.49: Optical instruments and appliances: for measuring or checking, n.e.c. in chapter 90.
Common questions
What is the value of optical measurement instrument exported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom exported optical measurement instrument worth $242.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 648 tonnes. That ranks it 8th of 164 countries worldwide, with 2% of world exports. The value was down 3% on 2023.
Which countries buy optical measurement instrument from the United Kingdom?
The United States was the largest buyer with 16% of the value ($38.6 million), followed by Germany (15%) and China (13%). The top three together account for 43%, out of 128 buyer countries in total. Switzerland grew fastest among the top ten, up 620% on the year.
What is the average export price of optical measurement instrument per kg?
The average declared export value was about $373.81 per kg in 2024, 239% above the world average of $110.20 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of optical measurement instrument from the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Exports went from $275.3 million in 2017 to $242.4 million in 2024, a fall of 12%. The peak was 2018 at $277.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $254.3 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also import optical measurement instrument?
Yes. The United Kingdom imported $226.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Germany, China and the United States. That compares with exports of $242.4 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for optical measurement instrument?
The HS code for optical measurement instrument is subheading 9031.49. 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 9031 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 measurement instrument trade: top importers and exporters
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