Plastic spectacle lenses imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of plastic spectacle lenses by the United Kingdom reached $267.4 million in 2024 (1.9 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 9th largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 207 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 .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $267.4M | 1.9K t |
| 2023 | $261.4M | 1.9K t |
| 2022 | $232.8M | 1.9K t |
| 2021 | $271.8M | 2.0K t |
| 2020 | $189.2M | 1.4K t |
| 2019 | $269.5M | 1.9K t |
| 2018 | $283.8M | 2.2K t |
| 2017 | $298.9M | 2.2K t |
Where the United Kingdom imports plastic spectacle lenses from
Most of the value came from Thailand (28%), China (15%), Philippines (11%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | $76.0M | 28% |
| China | $41.4M | 16% |
| Philippines | $28.7M | 11% |
| India | $20.2M | 7.6% |
| Portugal | $18.7M | 7% |
| Hungary | $17.6M | 6.6% |
| Poland | $13.9M | 5.2% |
| Mexico | $13.7M | 5.1% |
| United States | $10.6M | 4% |
| Czech Republic | $6.8M | 2.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $137.26 per kg, 39% above the world average of $98.68. 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.
Plastic spectacle lenses exports from the United Kingdom
Exports of plastic spectacle lenses by the United Kingdom reached $36.1 million in 2024 (280 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Hungary (39%), Poland (28%), Ireland (22%). Among the main buyer markets, Poland grew fastest (+138% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Hungary | $14.0M | 39% |
| Poland | $10.2M | 28% |
| Ireland | $7.8M | 22% |
| Canada | $796K | 2.2% |
| Jamaica | $741K | 2.1% |
| Netherlands | $592K | 1.6% |
| France | $296K | 0.8% |
| Italy | $194K | 0.5% |
| Hong Kong | $179K | 0.5% |
| Israel | $170K | 0.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom plastic spectacle lenses imports (HS 9001.50): 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 9001.50: Lenses, spectacle: unmounted, of materials other than glass.
Common questions
What is the value of plastic spectacle lenses imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported plastic spectacle lenses worth $267.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 9th of 207 countries worldwide, with 3% of world imports. The value was up 2% on 2023.
Which countries supply plastic spectacle lenses to the United Kingdom?
Thailand was the largest supplier with 28% of the value ($76.0 million), followed by China (15%) and the Philippines (11%). The top three together account for 55%, out of 46 supplier countries in total. Mexico grew fastest among the top ten, up 21% on the year.
What is the average import price of plastic spectacle lenses per kg?
The average declared import value was about $137.26 per kg in 2024, 39% above the world average of $98.68 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of plastic spectacle lenses to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $298.9 million in 2017 to $267.4 million in 2024, a fall of 11%. The peak was 2017 at $298.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $259.4 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export plastic spectacle lenses?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $36.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Hungary, Poland and Ireland. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $231.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for plastic spectacle lenses?
The HS code for plastic spectacle lenses is subheading 9001.50. 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?
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 lenses trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United Kingdom
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