Glass spectacle lenses imports in the United States: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of glass spectacle lenses by the United States reached $24.8 million in 2024 (97 tonnes). That makes it the 5th largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 189 countries. Value fell 6% from 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 | $24.8M | 97 t |
| 2023 | $26.4M | 88 t |
| 2022 | $16.3M | 94 t |
| 2021 | $14.4M | 76 t |
| 2020 | $6.4M | 49 t |
| 2019 | $26.3M | 106 t |
| 2018 | $28.5M | 132 t |
| 2017 | $28.2M | 173 t |
Where the United States imports glass spectacle lenses from
One supplier dominates: Italy accounted for 75% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | $18.6M | 75% |
| China | $1.5M | 6% |
| India | $1.4M | 5.6% |
| Taiwan | $1.3M | 5.3% |
| France | $611K | 2.5% |
| Finland | $319K | 1.3% |
| Japan | $292K | 1.2% |
| Singapore | $248K | 1% |
| United Kingdom | $144K | 0.6% |
| Israel | $111K | 0.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $254.97 per kg, 343% above the world average of $57.50. 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.
Glass spectacle lenses exports from the United States
The United States exported $3.5 million of glass spectacle lenses in 2024 (16 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Most of it went to Brazil (29%), Mexico (21%), Guyana (6%). Among the main buyer markets, Brazil grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | $1.0M | 29% |
| Mexico | $726K | 21% |
| Guyana | $196K | 5.6% |
| India | $155K | 4.4% |
| United Kingdom | $135K | 3.8% |
| Canada | $120K | 3.4% |
| Switzerland | $115K | 3.3% |
| Cayman Isds | $111K | 3.2% |
| Italy | $88K | 2.5% |
| Egypt | $76K | 2.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United States?
The shipment records behind United States glass spectacle lenses imports (HS 9001.40): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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 9001.40: Lenses, spectacle: unmounted, of glass, excluding elements of glass not optically worked.
Common questions
What is the value of glass spectacle lenses imported by the United States?
The United States imported glass spectacle lenses worth $24.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 97 tonnes. That ranks it 5th of 189 countries worldwide, with 8% of world imports. The value was down 6% on 2023.
Which countries supply glass spectacle lenses to the United States?
Italy was the largest supplier with 75% of the value ($18.6 million), followed by China (6%) and India (6%). The top three together account for 87%, out of 37 supplier countries in total. France grew fastest among the top ten, up 33% on the year.
What is the average import price of glass spectacle lenses per kg?
The average declared import value was about $254.97 per kg in 2024, 343% above the world average of $57.50 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of glass spectacle lenses to the United States changed since 2017?
Imports went from $28.2 million in 2017 to $24.8 million in 2024, a fall of 12%. The peak was 2018 at $28.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $21.4 million a year.
Does the United States also export glass spectacle lenses?
Yes. The United States exported $3.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Brazil, Mexico and Guyana. On balance the United States is a net importer of this product, by about $21.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for glass spectacle lenses?
The HS code for glass spectacle lenses is subheading 9001.40. 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 States. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World glass spectacle lenses trade: top importers and exporters
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.