Edible seaweed imports in the United States: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United States imported edible seaweed worth $68.9 million (8.4 thousand tonnes). It ranks 5th of 186 countries for imports of this product. Value rose 6% 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 | $68.9M | 8.4K t |
| 2023 | $65.0M | 7.4K t |
| 2022 | $75.5M | 12.8K t |
| 2021 | $63.8M | 11.4K t |
| 2020 | $55.9M | 9.2K t |
| 2019 | $58.1M | 12.5K t |
| 2018 | $50.5M | 6.6K t |
| 2017 | $51.6M | 6.7K t |
Where the United States imports edible seaweed from
Most of the value came from South Korea (42%), China (11%), Japan (10%). Among the main suppliers, Philippines grew fastest (+47% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | $28.8M | 42% |
| China | $7.5M | 11% |
| Japan | $7.0M | 10% |
| Canada | $6.4M | 9.3% |
| Philippines | $6.3M | 9.2% |
| United Kingdom | $4.2M | 6.2% |
| India | $1.6M | 2.3% |
| Iceland | $1.4M | 2% |
| Indonesia | $1.1M | 1.5% |
| Saint Lucia | $721K | 1.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $8.24 per kg, 137% above the world average of $3.48. 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.
Edible seaweed exports from the United States
In 2024, the United States exported edible seaweed worth $6.7 million (408 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Most of it went to Canada (17%), Mexico (10%), Panama (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 35%. Among the main buyer markets, Mexico grew fastest (+134% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | $1.1M | 17% |
| Mexico | $642K | 9.6% |
| Panama | $593K | 8.9% |
| Italy | $583K | 8.8% |
| Germany | $509K | 7.6% |
| Taiwan | $456K | 6.9% |
| South Korea | $297K | 4.5% |
| United Kingdom | $262K | 3.9% |
| Bermuda | $218K | 3.3% |
| Australia | $155K | 2.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United States?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Direct customs feed: shipment-level records from the official customs source.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 States?
The United States imported edible seaweed worth $68.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 8.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 5th of 186 countries worldwide, with 6% of world imports. The value was up 6% on 2023.
Which countries supply edible seaweed to the United States?
South Korea was the largest supplier with 42% of the value ($28.8 million), followed by China (11%) and Japan (10%). The top three together account for 63%, out of 49 supplier countries in total. Indonesia grew fastest among the top ten, up 53% on the year.
What is the average import price of edible seaweed per kg?
The average declared import value was about $8.24 per kg in 2024, 137% above the world average of $3.48 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have imports of edible seaweed to the United States changed since 2017?
Imports went from $51.6 million in 2017 to $68.9 million in 2024, an increase of 33%. The peak was 2022 at $75.5 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does the United States also export edible seaweed?
Yes. The United States exported $6.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Canada, Mexico and Panama. On balance the United States is a net importer of this product, by about $62.2 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?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX has a direct customs feed for the United States with shipment-level records, updated weekly, so you can see importers and exporters by name with dates, quantities and declared values. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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