Optical measurement instrument imports in the United States: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United States imported optical measurement instrument worth $1.59 billion (27.2 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 2nd largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 211 countries. That is 13% more than in 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 | $1.59B | 27.2K t |
| 2023 | $1.40B | 37.4K t |
| 2022 | $1.30B | 18.2K t |
| 2021 | $1.19B | 18.5K t |
| 2020 | $970.9M | 34.1K t |
| 2019 | $1.12B | 2.8K t |
| 2018 | $1.11B | 2.1K t |
| 2017 | $936.1M | 2.3K t |
Where the United States imports optical measurement instrument from
Most of the value came from Germany (21%), Japan (19%), Canada (13%). Among the main suppliers, Vietnam grew fastest (+240% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $333.1M | 21% |
| Japan | $298.9M | 19% |
| Canada | $208.8M | 13% |
| China | $128.5M | 8.1% |
| South Korea | $125.3M | 7.9% |
| Mexico | $81.0M | 5.1% |
| Vietnam | $72.1M | 4.5% |
| Switzerland | $42.9M | 2.7% |
| United Kingdom | $38.6M | 2.4% |
| France | $30.1M | 1.9% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $58.39 per kg, 47% below the world average of $110.20, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Optical measurement instrument exports from the United States
In 2024, the United States exported optical measurement instrument worth $906.3 million (2.8 thousand tonnes). It ranks 4th of 164 countries for exports of this product. The largest buyer markets were China (17%), Germany (12%), Mexico (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 39%.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $151.3M | 17% |
| Germany | $113.0M | 13% |
| Mexico | $89.6M | 9.9% |
| Japan | $66.1M | 7.3% |
| Singapore | $59.4M | 6.6% |
| Canada | $54.7M | 6% |
| Netherlands | $41.6M | 4.6% |
| Taiwan | $41.2M | 4.6% |
| South Korea | $32.6M | 3.6% |
| United Kingdom | $25.7M | 2.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United States?
The shipment records behind United States optical measurement instrument imports (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 imported by the United States?
The United States imported optical measurement instrument worth $1.59 billion in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 27.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 2nd of 211 countries worldwide, with 14% of world imports. The value was up 13% on 2023.
Which countries supply optical measurement instrument to the United States?
Germany was the largest supplier with 21% of the value ($333.1 million), followed by Japan (19%) and Canada (13%). The top three together account for 53%, out of 85 supplier countries in total. Vietnam grew fastest among the top ten, up 240% on the year.
What is the average import price of optical measurement instrument per kg?
The average declared import value was about $58.39 per kg in 2024, 47% below 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 imports of optical measurement instrument to the United States changed since 2017?
Imports went from $936.1 million in 2017 to $1.59 billion in 2024, an increase of 70%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $1.20 billion a year.
Does the United States also export optical measurement instrument?
Yes. The United States exported $906.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to China, Germany and Mexico. On balance the United States is a net importer of this product, by about $682.3 million a 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 States 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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