Frame Exporters — WorldSpectacles.com

China makes most of the world's spectacle frames. In 2020 it exported about US$3.92 billion of eyewear, 42 per cent of the world total and nearly double Italy, the second exporter. Budget frames come overwhelmingly from China; Italy, Japan, France and Germany export at higher prices, and South Korea sits in the middle. Countries that export little are left out of this page. Most of these factories also make frames under the buyer's own brand: give an order of the agreed minimum quantity and they put your name on the frame, case and cloth. This is called OEM or private label, and it is how most eyewear brands in the world are made.

🇨🇳 China

The budget-frame source of the world, with four main bases: Wenzhou, Shenzhen, Xiamen and Danyang, plus newer centres at Taizhou and Yingtan. Hong Kong-listed groups run large factories in Shenzhen and supply frames to international brands under their own labels (OEM/ODM).

Wenzhou, Zhejiang — budget metal and acetate frames

Shenzhen and Dongguan — Hong Kong-listed OEM factories

Xiamen, Fujian — sunglasses, TR90 and metal frames

Danyang, Jiangsu — lenses, with a frame market

Yingtan, Jiangxi — newer budget base

🇮🇹 Italy

The world's second exporter by value (about US$2.14 billion in 2020): branded and luxury frames from Belluno-Cadore, Padua and Longarone.

🇯🇵 Japan

Premium titanium and acetate frames from Sabae (Fukui), which makes most of Japan's frames. High quality, high price.

🇰🇷 South Korea

Daegu holds about 70 per cent of Korea's eyewear makers and about 60 per cent of its frame exports. Korea sells mid-priced metal, TR and titanium frames: cheaper than Japan, dearer than China. Frame exports were about US$123 million in 2018 and US$85 million in 2023, as Chinese factories took the budget end. Spectacles are cheap inside Korea because of the shop system, not because Korea is a budget exporter.

Daegu and Seoul

🇫🇷 France

The Jura valley (Morez, Morbier) exports mid and upper-priced frames and children's frames.

🇩🇪 Germany

Design-led frames and large brand houses; much volume is made in Asia under German brands.

Frame Importers All countries