Optical polarising material exports from the United States: data, top buyers and prices
The United States exported $211.3 million of optical polarising material in 2024 (7.3 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 5th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 68 countries. Value rose 16% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 8% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2020, at $469.2 million.
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 | $211.3M | 7.3K t |
| 2023 | $182.5M | 7.1K t |
| 2022 | $343.1M | 10.0K t |
| 2021 | $457.0M | 11.1K t |
| 2020 | $469.2M | 9.2K t |
| 2019 | $428.7M | 7.7K t |
| 2018 | $384.6M | 7.1K t |
| 2017 | $366.6M | 6.6K t |
Where the United States exports optical polarising material to
The largest buyer markets were South Korea (37%), Taiwan (18%), Japan (16%). Among the main buyer markets, Japan grew fastest (+82% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | $77.7M | 37% |
| Taiwan | $38.1M | 18% |
| Japan | $34.5M | 16% |
| China | $30.8M | 15% |
| Hong Kong | $11.9M | 5.6% |
| Mexico | $10.6M | 5% |
| Singapore | $1.1M | 0.5% |
| Germany | $1.1M | 0.5% |
| United Kingdom | $981K | 0.5% |
| Belgium | $854K | 0.4% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $28.91 per kg, 49% below the world average of $56.57, 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 polarising material imports to the United States
In 2024, the United States imported optical polarising material worth $35.8 million (630 tonnes). It ranks 8th of 139 countries for imports of this product. The largest suppliers were Japan (46%), South Korea (41%), Taiwan (4%). Among the main suppliers, Taiwan grew fastest (+144% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $16.6M | 46% |
| South Korea | $14.7M | 41% |
| Taiwan | $1.5M | 4.3% |
| Hong Kong | $880K | 2.5% |
| Germany | $853K | 2.4% |
| China | $627K | 1.8% |
| Malaysia | $178K | 0.5% |
| Belgium | $76K | 0.2% |
| Mexico | $66K | 0.2% |
| Israel | $65K | 0.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United States?
The shipment records behind United States optical polarising material exports (HS 9001.20): 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 9001.20: Optical elements: polarising material, sheets and plates thereof.
Common questions
What is the value of optical polarising material exported by the United States?
The United States exported optical polarising material worth $211.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 7.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 5th of 68 countries worldwide, with 4% of world exports. The value was up 16% on 2023.
Which countries buy optical polarising material from the United States?
South Korea was the largest buyer with 37% of the value ($77.7 million), followed by Taiwan (18%) and Japan (16%). The top three together account for 71%, out of 71 buyer countries in total. Singapore grew fastest among the top ten, up 333% on the year.
What is the average export price of optical polarising material per kg?
The average declared export value was about $28.91 per kg in 2024, 49% below the world average of $56.57 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 polarising material from the United States changed since 2017?
Exports went from $366.6 million in 2017 to $211.3 million in 2024, a fall of 42%. The peak was 2020 at $469.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $355.3 million a year.
Does the United States also import optical polarising material?
Yes. The United States imported $35.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. On balance the United States is a net exporter of this product, by about $175.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for optical polarising material?
The HS code for optical polarising material is subheading 9001.20. 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 optical polarising material trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United States
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