Spectacle frames and mountings market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish market for spectacle frames operated under a strict regulatory framework established in 2013, which classified frames as medical devices subject to AEMPS oversight, requiring safety certification and a reduced VAT rate. This framework ensured stable access to imported frames until the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted global supply chains, leading to a sharp drop in imports to 8 million units from over 10 million the previous year.

Post-pandemic recovery saw market volume rebound to 8.6 million units in 2021 and further grow to 8.8 million units in 2022. This expansion was primarily driven by long-term demographic and lifestyle factors, including an aging population and increased use of digital devices, which raised the need for vision correction. Simultaneously, optical retailers introduced new fashion collections and unisex designs, aligning with evolving consumer preferences for style and comfort.

In 2023, the market adapted to the new Royal Decree 192/2023, which strengthened safety, traceability, and CE marking requirements for frames. By 2024, market volume had decreased to 7.5 million units, even as domestic production rose significantly. The upcoming EU regulation on unique device identifiers (UDI) for frames, announced for 2025, signaled further regulatory evolution.

Production spectacle frames and mountings in Spain

According to Faostat, there is no production of spectacle frames and mountings in Spain.

Exports spectacle frames and mountings from Spain

Exports in kind, K unit

Spanish exports of spectacle frames and mountings have declined for three consecutive years. In 2020, export volume reached 1 962 thousand units, representing a 16.8% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 19.2%, which translates to an annualized decline of 6.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Spain in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

From 2017 to 2020, Spanish exports of spectacle frames and mountings were distributed across numerous countries. France accounted for 25.3% of exports in kind, Italy for 12.3%, and Portugal for 8.6%. Together, these three countries represented 46.2% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Spain in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Spanish exports of spectacle frames and mountings have declined for two consecutive years. In 2020, exports amounted to 77.7 million US dollars, marking a significant contraction of 14.0% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 6.8%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 2.3%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 92.4 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 10.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Spain in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, France, Italy, and Germany emerged as the primary markets for Spanish exports of spectacle frames and mountings in value terms. France represented 31.1% of exports, Italy 16.1%, and Germany 14.0%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 61.3% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Spain in value, 2017-2020

Imports spectacle frames and mountings to Spain

Imports in kind, K unit

Spanish imports of spectacle frames and mountings have declined for two consecutive years. In 2020, Spain imported a total of 11 173 thousand units, reflecting a 24.8% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 24.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -9.1%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 11 173 thousand units, which also experienced the largest increase of 4.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Spain in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

From 2017 to 2020, China dominated Spain's import structure for spectacle frames and mountings in kind, holding a 74.4% share of total flows. Other markets contributed comparatively modest shares.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Spain in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Spanish imports of spectacle frames and mountings have declined for two consecutive years. In 2020, imports totaled 105.0 million US dollars, which is 22.9% lower than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 20.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -7.2%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 136.4 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 3.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Spain in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, China and Italy were the dominant sources for Spain's imports of spectacle frames and mountings in value terms. Together, they accounted for 86.7% of total import flows, while other countries held much smaller shares.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Spain in value, 2017-2020