Edible seaweed exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of edible seaweed by South Africa reached $2.0 million in 2024 (1.1 thousand tonnes). That is 5% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $4.3 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2.0M | 1.1K t |
| 2023 | $1.9M | 1.4K t |
| 2022 | $4.3M | 2.0K t |
| 2021 | $1.8M | 1.4K t |
| 2020 | $503K | 239 t |
| 2019 | $664K | 508 t |
| 2018 | $962K | 471 t |
| 2017 | $1.3M | 827 t |
Where South Africa exports edible seaweed to
The largest buyer markets were China (43%), Italy (31%), Greece (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Greece grew fastest (+384% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $865K | 43% |
| Italy | $620K | 31% |
| Greece | $245K | 12% |
| France | $218K | 11% |
| New Zealand | $16K | 0.8% |
| Zimbabwe | $12K | 0.6% |
| Kuwait | $11K | 0.5% |
| Sri Lanka | $9K | 0.5% |
| Mozambique | $7K | 0.4% |
| Mauritius | $4K | 0.2% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.77 per kg, 49% below the world average of $3.48, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Edible seaweed imports to South Africa
Imports of edible seaweed by South Africa reached $756 thousand in 2024 (76 tonnes). China alone supplied 62% of it. Among the main suppliers, United Kingdom grew fastest (+629% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $470K | 62% |
| Australia | $66K | 8.8% |
| South Korea | $65K | 8.6% |
| France | $32K | 4.2% |
| United Kingdom | $24K | 3.2% |
| Canada | $23K | 3.1% |
| Japan | $18K | 2.4% |
| Thailand | $16K | 2.1% |
| Tanzania | $10K | 1.3% |
| Germany | $9K | 1.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa edible seaweed exports (HS 1212.21): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 1212.21: Seaweeds and other algae: fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground.
Common questions
What is the value of edible seaweed exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported edible seaweed worth $2.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 26th of 129 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 5% on 2023.
Which countries buy edible seaweed from South Africa?
China was the largest buyer with 43% of the value ($865 thousand), followed by Italy (31%) and Greece (12%). The top three together account for 86%, out of 28 buyer countries in total. Greece grew fastest among the top ten, up 384% on the year.
What is the average export price of edible seaweed per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.77 per kg in 2024, 49% below the world average of $3.48 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of edible seaweed from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $1.3 million in 2017 to $2.0 million in 2024, an increase of 60%. The peak was 2022 at $4.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $1.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also import edible seaweed?
Yes. South Africa imported $756 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Australia and South Korea. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $1.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for edible seaweed?
The HS code for edible seaweed is subheading 1212.21. It sits in HS chapter 12 (oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit, industrial or medicinal plants; straw and fodder). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 1212 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
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