United States was the largest outside supplier.
What this market covers
Optical parts that shape light using microscopic surface patterns, used in lasers, sensors and cameras. Buyers are laser makers, sensor makers and consumer device firms.
Typical segments
- Beam shapers
- Beam splitters
- Diffusers
- Gratings
Source: Eurostat
Why this market is moving now
- Extra-EU import value rose 158% from 2020 to 2025, a direct read on EU demand for sourced supply.
- Supply is concentrated: one country provided a large share of extra-EU imports in 2025.
Key figures
Each figure names the source it came from. Open the source list below to read the quoted line.
| Figure | Value | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| The EU imported €500.3 million of products under CN code 90029000 (Lenses, prisms, mirrors and other optical elements, mounted, of any material, being parts) from outside the EU in 2025. | 500.3 EUR million | 2025 | Eurostat |
| Extra-EU imports of CN 90029000 were up 158% in 2025 compared with 2020 (€193.6 million), calculated from Eurostat values. | +158 % since 2020 | 2025 | Eurostat |
| EU exports of CN 90029000 to countries outside the EU were worth €887.9 million in 2025. | 887.9 EUR million | 2025 | Eurostat |
| Trade between EU member states in CN 90029000 (intra-EU arrivals) came to €596.6 million in 2025. | 596.6 EUR million | 2025 | Eurostat |
| United States was the largest non-EU supplier of CN 90029000 to the EU in 2025, with €120.8 million, or 24% of extra-EU imports. | 120.8 EUR million | 2025 | Eurostat |
| EU exports of CN 90029000 to the United States were €129.4 million in 2025. | 129.4 EUR million | 2025 | Eurostat |
| The average value of extra-EU imports of CN 90029000 was €409.61 per kilogram in 2025, calculated from Eurostat value and weight. | 409.61 EUR per kg | 2025 | Eurostat |
| Netherlands was the largest EU exporter of CN 90029000 to non-EU countries in 2025, at €623.6 million. | 623.6 EUR million | 2025 | Eurostat |
| The EU had 2,200 enterprises in NACE class C2670 (Manufacture of optical instruments and photographic equipment) in 2023. | 2,200 enterprises | 2023 | Eurostat |
| EU enterprises in NACE class C2670 had net turnover of €17.92 billion in 2023. | 17.92 EUR billion | 2023 | Eurostat |
| NACE class C2670 employed 72,530 people across the EU in 2023. | 72,530 persons employed | 2023 | Eurostat |
Sources and method
The figures on this page come from the public sources listed below. Read how we work.
- Eurostat: EU trade since 1988 by HS2-4-6 and CN8 (DS-045409) (2026-11-04)
Quoted lines
- Figure 1
DS-045409, reporter EU27_2020, product 90029000, partner EXT_EU27_2020, flow import, 2025, VALUE_IN_EUROS 500269028
- Figure 2
DS-045409, reporter EU27_2020, product 90029000, flow import, 2020 VALUE_IN_EUROS 193644178; 2025 VALUE_IN_EUROS 500269028
- Figure 3
DS-045409, reporter EU27_2020, product 90029000, partner EXT_EU27_2020, flow export, 2025, VALUE_IN_EUROS 887857479
- Figure 4
DS-045409, reporter EU27_2020, product 90029000, partner INT_EU27_2020, flow import, 2025, VALUE_IN_EUROS 596571166
- Figure 5
DS-045409, reporter EU27_2020, product 90029000, partner US, flow import, 2025, VALUE_IN_EUROS 120798728
- Figure 6
DS-045409, reporter EU27_2020, product 90029000, partner US, flow export, 2025, VALUE_IN_EUROS 129365857
- Figure 7
DS-045409, reporter EU27_2020, product 90029000, flow import, 2025, VALUE_IN_EUROS 500269028, QUANTITY_IN_100KG 12213
- Figure 1
- Eurostat: EU trade since 1988 by HS2-4-6 and CN8 (DS-045409) (2026-11-04)
Quoted lines
- Figure 8
DS-045409, reporter NL, product 90029000, partner EXT_EU27_2020, flow export, 2025, VALUE_IN_EUROS 623631108
- Figure 8
- Eurostat: Enterprises by detailed NACE Rev. 2 activity and special aggregates (sbs_ovw_act) (2026-11-04)
Quoted lines
- Figure 9
sbs_ovw_act, geo EU27_2020, nace_r2 C2670, indic_sbs ENT_NR, 2023, 2200
- Figure 10
sbs_ovw_act, geo EU27_2020, nace_r2 C2670, indic_sbs NETTUR_MEUR, 2023, 17917
- Figure 11
sbs_ovw_act, geo EU27_2020, nace_r2 C2670, indic_sbs EMP_NR, 2023, 72530
- Figure 9
Buyers and suppliers
Who buys
- Laser makers
- Sensor makers
- Consumer device firms
Large non-EU suppliers to the EU
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the European Union market - 03Market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 05Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 06Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 07Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 08Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 09Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 10Method and sources
Every assumption and source, listed
Included with the full report
- PDF report, 40 to 60 pages
- Excel data pack
- Ready-to-use charts
- Method note and assumptions
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Frequently asked questions
How big is the EU diffractive optical element market?
There is no single official market total. Eurostat trade data shows the EU imported €500.3 million of goods under CN 90029000 from outside the EU in 2025 and exported €887.9 million.
Where does the EU import diffractive optical element from?
United States was the largest non-EU supplier in 2025. Other large suppliers included Korea, Republic of, Taiwan, China.
What is the average import price of diffractive optical element in the EU?
Dividing Eurostat import value by weight gives about €409.61 per kilogram for CN 90029000 in 2025.
Which EU countries export the most diffractive optical element?
Netherlands led EU exports to non-EU countries in 2025, followed by Germany, France.
How many EU companies are in the diffractive optical element industry?
Eurostat counts 2,200 enterprises in NACE class C2670 (Manufacture of optical instruments and photographic equipment).
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