Usa: Asia dominates the lens import market

The August 2004 lens import data published by the Vision Council of America shows Asian countries dominating the market and remaining in the lead of both quantity and value.

Nearly 60 percent of lens imports to the US arrive from Asia; however, Mexico accounts for a large portion of lens imports. Three out of 10 pairs of lens imports to the US are shipped from Mexico, but the country ranks significantly lower in value of lens imports because of the low average price per pair.

In comparison, Ireland and Japan's average price per pair are higher. This is what give these countries strong rankings in value, although they produce relatively low quantities. The Philippines consistently rank third in both import volume and value.