China was the largest exporter with 24% of the world total, and India was the largest buyer.
What this market covers
Man made sapphire crystal grown for hard, clear and heat resistant parts such as screens, optics and chip substrates. Buyers are electronics, LED and optical component makers.
Typical segments
- LED substrates
- Watch and phone glass
- Optical windows
- Semiconductor wafers
Why this market is moving now
- World trade grew 36% from 2022 to 2024, a direct read on cross-border demand.
- Thailand is gaining ground: its exports rose 96% from 2022 to 2024, the fastest among the ten largest exporters.
Key figures
Global figures for this market, with the year each one describes. Use Cite to copy a reference to this page.
| Figure | Value | Year | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|
| World exports of precious and semi-precious stones, synthetic or reconstructed, worked (HS 710499), the trade category that includes sapphire technology, were worth $551.9 million in 2024. | 551.9 USD million | 2024 | |
| World exports were 36% higher in 2024 than in 2022 ($407.1 million), calculated from the annual totals. | +36 % since 2022 | 2024 | |
| China was the largest exporter in 2024, with 24% of world exports ($133.7 million). | 24 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The three largest exporters, China, Zambia and Thailand, shipped 55% of world exports in 2024. | 55 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| India was the largest importer in 2024, buying $108.7 million, or 20% of world imports. | 20 % of world imports | 2024 | |
| 25 countries exported more than $1 million of this product in 2024. | 25 countries | 2024 | |
| The average world export price was about $111.12 per kilogram in 2024, calculated from value and weight. | 111.12 USD per kg | 2024 | |
| Countries exported 5.0 thousand tonnes of this product in 2024. | 5.0 thousand tonnes | 2024 | |
| Among the ten largest exporters, Thailand grew fastest, with exports up 96% from 2022 to 2024. | +96 % since 2022 | 2024 |
Calculated figures (shares, changes and prices per kilogram) are plain arithmetic on the reported values. Read how we work.
Buyers and suppliers
Who buys
- LED makers
- Consumer electronics brands
- Optical component makers
Largest exporting countries, 2024
Largest importing countries, 2024
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 global market - 03Global market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Countries and regions
Demand, supply and trade by country and region - 05Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 06Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 07Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 08Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 09Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 10Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 11Method and assumptions
How every figure was built
Included with the full report
- PDF report, 40 to 60 pages
- Excel data pack
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- Method note and assumptions
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Frequently asked questions
How big is the global sapphire technology market?
There is no single official market total. World exports of HS 710499 reached $551.9 million in 2024, a direct measure of cross-border trade.
Which countries export the most sapphire technology?
China led world exports in 2024 with 24% of the total, followed by Zambia, Thailand and Austria.
Which countries import the most sapphire technology?
India was the largest importer in 2024, followed by Thailand, Hong Kong and China.
Is world trade in sapphire technology growing?
World exports were 36% higher in 2024 than in 2022.
What is the average export price of sapphire technology?
Dividing world export value by weight gives about $111.12 per kilogram in 2024.
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