Industrial seaweed imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of industrial seaweed by the United Kingdom reached $11.9 million in 2024 (6.2 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 6th largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 155 countries. Value rose 9% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 9% a year on average.
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 | $11.9M | 6.2K t |
| 2023 | $10.9M | 4.9K t |
| 2022 | $13.8M | 4.3K t |
| 2021 | $13.8M | 2.9K t |
| 2020 | $13.8M | 3.2K t |
| 2019 | $9.3M | 4.4K t |
| 2018 | $10.8M | 4.7K t |
| 2017 | $6.6M | 2.3K t |
Where the United Kingdom imports industrial seaweed from
Most of the value came from Ireland (37%), Malaysia (22%), China (20%). Among the main suppliers, Malaysia grew fastest (+107% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | $4.4M | 37% |
| Malaysia | $2.7M | 22% |
| China | $2.3M | 20% |
| France | $671K | 5.7% |
| South Korea | $354K | 3% |
| Vietnam | $313K | 2.6% |
| Belgium | $194K | 1.6% |
| Iceland | $191K | 1.6% |
| Japan | $162K | 1.4% |
| Slovenia | $153K | 1.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.91 per kg, 95% 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 exports from the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom exported $4.6 million of industrial seaweed in 2024 (1.9 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 2%. The largest buyer markets were Germany (25%), Ireland (19%), Japan (18%). Among the main buyer markets, Canada grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $1.1M | 25% |
| Ireland | $899K | 19% |
| Japan | $832K | 18% |
| Canada | $596K | 13% |
| United States | $443K | 9.6% |
| France | $147K | 3.2% |
| Brazil | $83K | 1.8% |
| Malaysia | $69K | 1.5% |
| New Zealand | $63K | 1.4% |
| Italy | $46K | 1% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom industrial seaweed imports (HS 1212.29): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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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 1212.29: 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 imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported industrial seaweed worth $11.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 6.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 6th of 155 countries worldwide, with 4% of world imports. The value was up 9% on 2023.
Which countries supply industrial seaweed to the United Kingdom?
Ireland was the largest supplier with 37% of the value ($4.4 million), followed by Malaysia (22%) and China (20%). The top three together account for 79%, out of 33 supplier countries in total. Belgium grew fastest among the top ten, up 592% on the year.
What is the average import price of industrial seaweed per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.91 per kg in 2024, 95% above the world average of $0.98 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of industrial seaweed to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $6.6 million in 2017 to $11.9 million in 2024, an increase of 78%. The peak was 2022 at $13.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $11.4 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export industrial seaweed?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $4.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Germany, Ireland and Japan. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $7.2 million 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?
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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