HS Code:
This category (HS Code: 9001) includes optical fibers and optical fiber bundles, optical fiber cables (other than those of heading 8544), sheets and plates of polarizing material, lenses (including contact lenses), prisms, mirrors, and other optical elements made of any material, unmounted, other than such elements of glass not optically worked. These products are critical in industries such as telecommunications, medical equipment, imaging, and scientific research, enabling technologies like fiber-optic communication, laser systems, and advanced optical devices.
Total Trade Volume
USD 25.3 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
Average Rate
5.2%
Highest Rate
15% (applied by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-Japan EPA)
Growing demand for fiber-optic cables in telecommunications
Driven by 5G rollout and increased internet connectivity, boosting trade volumes particularly in Asia-Pacific and North America
2021-2023
Rising adoption of optical elements in medical devices
Increased use in endoscopy and laser surgery equipment, leading to higher exports from technologically advanced countries like Japan and Germany
2020-2022
Shift towards sustainable and high-efficiency optical materials
Manufacturers are focusing on eco-friendly production processes, influencing supply chains and trade policies
2022-2023
Ongoing trade disputes have led to additional tariffs on Chinese optical fiber products entering the US, prompting shifts in supply chains towards other Asian countries.
Mid-2022
Increased costs for US consumers and potential growth opportunities for manufacturers in Vietnam and South Korea
New EU regulations under the Green Deal mandate stricter environmental standards for optical product manufacturing, affecting exporters to the region.
Early 2023
Higher compliance costs for exporters but potential long-term benefits through sustainable practices
Japanese firms announced advancements in multi-core optical fibers, significantly increasing data transmission capacity for telecom applications.
Late 2022
Likely to boost Japan's export share as demand for next-gen fibers rises globally