Industrial seaweed exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of industrial seaweed by South Africa reached $3.6 million in 2024 (3.0 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value fell 38% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 8% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2021, at $6.3 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $3.6M | 3.0K t |
| 2023 | $5.7M | 2.3K t |
| 2022 | $6.2M | 3.2K t |
| 2021 | $6.3M | 4.2K t |
| 2020 | $3.6M | 2.8K t |
| 2019 | $2.6M | 983 t |
| 2018 | $2.2M | 817 t |
| 2017 | $2.0M | 823 t |
Where South Africa exports industrial seaweed to
Most of it went to China (32%), United States (18%), Italy (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest (+144% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.2M | 32% |
| United States | $636K | 18% |
| Italy | $525K | 15% |
| Japan | $242K | 6.8% |
| Greece | $238K | 6.7% |
| Zambia | $167K | 4.7% |
| France | $162K | 4.5% |
| Spain | $157K | 4.4% |
| Brazil | $144K | 4% |
| Lebanon | $63K | 1.8% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.19 per kg, 21% above the world average of $0.98. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Industrial seaweed imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported industrial seaweed worth $2.8 million (5.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. One supplier dominates: Ireland accounted for 86% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | $2.4M | 86% |
| Australia | $120K | 4.3% |
| Mozambique | $70K | 2.5% |
| Brazil | $43K | 1.5% |
| China | $39K | 1.4% |
| France | $32K | 1.1% |
| India | $27K | 1% |
| Spain | $26K | 0.9% |
| Vietnam | $13K | 0.5% |
| United Kingdom | $6K | 0.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa industrial seaweed exports (HS 1212.29): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 1212.29: Seaweeds and other algae: not fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground.
Common questions
What is the value of industrial seaweed exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported industrial seaweed worth $3.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 18th of 119 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 38% on 2023.
Which countries buy industrial seaweed from South Africa?
China was the largest buyer with 32% of the value ($1.2 million), followed by the United States (18%) and Italy (15%). The top three together account for 65%, out of 29 buyer countries in total. Zambia grew fastest among the top ten, up 144% on the year.
What is the average export price of industrial seaweed per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.19 per kg in 2024, 21% above the world average of $0.98 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of industrial seaweed from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $2.0 million in 2017 to $3.6 million in 2024, an increase of 75%. The peak was 2021 at $6.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $4.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also import industrial seaweed?
Yes. South Africa imported $2.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Ireland, Australia and Mozambique. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $743 thousand a year.
What is the HS code for industrial seaweed?
The HS code for industrial seaweed is subheading 1212.29. 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?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
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