Edible seaweed imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United Kingdom imported edible seaweed worth $13.7 million (4.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 5% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $13.7M | 4.2K t |
| 2023 | $13.0M | 1.0K t |
| 2022 | $12.1M | 4.0K t |
| 2021 | $11.8M | 1.4K t |
| 2020 | $10.4M | 1.3K t |
| 2019 | $14.4M | 6.0K t |
| 2018 | $15.4M | 6.9K t |
| 2017 | $12.4M | 5.6K t |
Where the United Kingdom imports edible seaweed from
The largest suppliers were China (23%), South Korea (20%), Malaysia (17%). Among the main suppliers, Denmark grew fastest (+124% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $3.1M | 23% |
| South Korea | $2.7M | 20% |
| Malaysia | $2.4M | 17% |
| Taiwan | $888K | 6.5% |
| Denmark | $582K | 4.3% |
| Japan | $509K | 3.7% |
| Chile | $499K | 3.7% |
| Philippines | $423K | 3.1% |
| Iceland | $406K | 3% |
| France | $372K | 2.7% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.23 per kg, close to the world average of $3.48.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Edible seaweed exports from the United Kingdom
In 2024, the United Kingdom exported edible seaweed worth $9.8 million (964 tonnes). That makes it the 7th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 129 countries. Most of it went to United States (43%), Russia (6%), Germany (6%). Among the main buyer markets, Nigeria grew fastest (+173% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $4.2M | 43% |
| Russia | $620K | 6.3% |
| Germany | $584K | 6% |
| Netherlands | $424K | 4.3% |
| Taiwan | $355K | 3.6% |
| Australia | $308K | 3.1% |
| Denmark | $285K | 2.9% |
| Sweden | $246K | 2.5% |
| France | $246K | 2.5% |
| Nigeria | $245K | 2.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom edible seaweed imports (HS 1212.21): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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Direct customs feed: shipment-level records from the official customs source.
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 imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported edible seaweed worth $13.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 12th of 186 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 5% on 2023.
Which countries supply edible seaweed to the United Kingdom?
China was the largest supplier with 23% of the value ($3.1 million), followed by South Korea (20%) and Malaysia (17%). The top three together account for 60%, out of 43 supplier countries in total. Denmark grew fastest among the top ten, up 124% on the year.
What is the average import price of edible seaweed per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.23 per kg in 2024, 7% 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 imports of edible seaweed to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $12.4 million in 2017 to $13.7 million in 2024, an increase of 10%. The peak was 2018 at $15.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $12.9 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export edible seaweed?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $9.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, Russia and Germany. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $3.9 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?
Shipment-level records for the United Kingdom reach EximDataX from a direct customs feed, with company names, dates and declared values. We can show them for your product on a short call.
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