Plastic spectacle frames imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of plastic spectacle frames by the United Kingdom reached $127.0 million in 2024 (593 tonnes). It ranks 8th of 208 countries for imports of this product. That is 9% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 6% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $224.8 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 | $127.0M | 593 t |
| 2023 | $116.4M | 530 t |
| 2022 | $114.7M | 537 t |
| 2021 | $104.9M | 443 t |
| 2020 | $122.9M | 585 t |
| 2019 | $172.0M | 779 t |
| 2018 | $224.8M | 1.0K t |
| 2017 | $198.3M | 959 t |
Where the United Kingdom imports plastic spectacle frames from
The largest suppliers were China (46%), Italy (40%), Thailand (3%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $58.0M | 46% |
| Italy | $51.3M | 40% |
| Thailand | $3.2M | 2.6% |
| Japan | $2.7M | 2.1% |
| Denmark | $2.3M | 1.8% |
| Hong Kong | $2.0M | 1.6% |
| Austria | $1.3M | 1% |
| Spain | $976K | 0.8% |
| France | $975K | 0.8% |
| Netherlands | $837K | 0.7% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $214.16 per kg, close to the world average of $190.98.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Plastic spectacle frames exports from the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom exported $39.8 million of plastic spectacle frames in 2024 (209 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. The largest buyer markets were Thailand (29%), Ireland (15%), Hungary (13%). Among the main buyer markets, Thailand grew fastest (+492% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | $11.5M | 29% |
| Ireland | $6.0M | 15% |
| Hungary | $5.0M | 13% |
| Italy | $3.8M | 9.7% |
| Netherlands | $2.1M | 5.4% |
| Poland | $1.9M | 4.9% |
| Hong Kong | $1.7M | 4.3% |
| Germany | $1.2M | 3.1% |
| Canada | $1.1M | 2.9% |
| United States | $731K | 1.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom plastic spectacle frames imports (HS 9003.11): 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 9003.11: Frames and mountings: for spectacles, goggles or the like, of plastics.
Common questions
What is the value of plastic spectacle frames imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported plastic spectacle frames worth $127.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 593 tonnes. That ranks it 8th of 208 countries worldwide, with 3% of world imports. The value was up 9% on 2023.
Which countries supply plastic spectacle frames to the United Kingdom?
China was the largest supplier with 46% of the value ($58.0 million), followed by Italy (40%) and Thailand (3%). The top three together account for 89%, out of 47 supplier countries in total. Japan grew fastest among the top ten, up 29% on the year.
What is the average import price of plastic spectacle frames per kg?
The average declared import value was about $214.16 per kg in 2024, 12% above the world average of $190.98 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of plastic spectacle frames to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $198.3 million in 2017 to $127.0 million in 2024, a fall of 36%. The peak was 2018 at $224.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $147.6 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export plastic spectacle frames?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $39.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Thailand, Ireland and Hungary. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $87.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for plastic spectacle frames?
The HS code for plastic spectacle frames is subheading 9003.11. 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 9003 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 plastic spectacle frames trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United Kingdom
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