Industrial seaweed imports in the United States: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of industrial seaweed by the United States reached $28.6 million in 2024 (14.9 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 2nd largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 155 countries. Value fell 14% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 5% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $43.6 million.
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 | $28.6M | 14.9K t |
| 2023 | $33.1M | 13.4K t |
| 2022 | $43.6M | 17.8K t |
| 2021 | $38.7M | 17.3K t |
| 2020 | $35.5M | 18.9K t |
| 2019 | $39.5M | 22.4K t |
| 2018 | $40.7M | 20.5K t |
| 2017 | $41.1M | 24.4K t |
Where the United States imports industrial seaweed from
Most of the value came from Canada (28%), Chile (15%), Philippines (10%). Among the main suppliers, Tanzania grew fastest (+507% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | $8.0M | 28% |
| Chile | $4.4M | 15% |
| Philippines | $3.0M | 10% |
| Indonesia | $2.9M | 10% |
| Iceland | $1.8M | 6.1% |
| Tanzania | $838K | 2.9% |
| United Arab Emirates | $801K | 2.8% |
| Ireland | $740K | 2.6% |
| China | $638K | 2.2% |
| South Africa | $636K | 2.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.92 per kg, 96% 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 States
In 2024, the United States exported industrial seaweed worth $5.0 million (1.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 2%. Most of it went to Brazil (30%), Canada (26%), Mexico (5%). Among the main buyer markets, Venezuela grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | $1.5M | 30% |
| Canada | $1.3M | 26% |
| Mexico | $243K | 4.9% |
| Thailand | $231K | 4.6% |
| Belgium | $222K | 4.5% |
| Ecuador | $159K | 3.2% |
| United Kingdom | $123K | 2.5% |
| Venezuela | $86K | 1.7% |
| United Arab Emirates | $80K | 1.6% |
| Saudi Arabia | $78K | 1.6% |
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 1212.29: 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 States?
The United States imported industrial seaweed worth $28.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 14.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 2nd of 155 countries worldwide, with 9% of world imports. The value was down 14% on 2023.
Which countries supply industrial seaweed to the United States?
Canada was the largest supplier with 28% of the value ($8.0 million), followed by Chile (15%) and the Philippines (10%). The top three together account for 54%, out of 49 supplier countries in total. Tanzania grew fastest among the top ten, up 507% on the year.
What is the average import price of industrial seaweed per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.92 per kg in 2024, 96% above the world average of $0.98 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 industrial seaweed to the United States changed since 2017?
Imports went from $41.1 million in 2017 to $28.6 million in 2024, a fall of 30%. The peak was 2022 at $43.6 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does the United States also export industrial seaweed?
Yes. The United States exported $5.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Brazil, Canada and Mexico. On balance the United States is a net importer of this product, by about $23.6 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?
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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