The USD 7 Billion Dried Seaweed Boom: Why Asia and ASEAN Are Driving the Next Wave of Global Growth

The dried seaweed industry encompasses the cultivation, harvesting, processing, and distribution of seaweed products that have been dehydrated for use across multiple sectors, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, animal feed, and industrial applications. Seaweed has long been a staple in many Asian diets and is gaining broader acceptance globally due to its nutritional benefits, sustainable cultivation practices, and versatility. Global production is highly concentrated in Asia, where cultural consumption patterns, extensive coastal resources, and established aquaculture practices drive supply and demand simultaneously. As consumption patterns shift toward healthier, plant-based diets, dried seaweed continues to gain traction in both traditional markets and emerging regions. Seaweed farming also contributes to marine biodiversity and carbon sequestration, adding ecological value beyond commercial demand. While Asia Pacific remains the dominant region for dried seaweed historically accounting for the vast majority of production due to major producers such as China and Indonesia there is meaningful growth in Europe and the Americas driven by rising consumer health trends and industrial applications. Asia Pacifics dominance is rooted in both historical consumption and large-scale aquaculture infrastructure, with China, Indonesia, South Korea, and the Philippines serving as major exporters and supply hubs. Seaweed cultivation, including varieties such as Eucheuma, Kappaphycus, and Gracilaria, underpins a significant portion of dried seaweed supply.
In 2024, the global dried seaweed market size amounted to USD 7,026 million, with forecasts anticipating a compound annual growth rate of 7.6% through 2031, reaching market size USD 11,696 million by 2031. With an average selling price of USD 3,600 per ton, total global shipments reach 1.95 million ton in 2024. Factory operations show a gross profit per ton aligned with a 35% gross margin implies to a factory gross profit at USD 1,260 per ton and cost of goods USD 2,340 per ton. The COGS breakdown is raw harvest, drying, processing costs, logistics & storage and quality assurance. A single line full machine capacity production is around 10,000 tons per year per. Downstream demand is concentrated in snack producers, food processors, restaurants, nutraceutical manufacturers, personal care brand and wholesale distributors.
Latest Trends and Technological Developments
The dried seaweed sector is experiencing significant innovation and expansion. On October 2025, industry analysis highlighted advancements in automated drying and quality monitoring technologies that reduce post-harvest losses and improve nutrient retention, enabling higher product quality and consistency. Sustainable cultivation technologies that lessen environmental impacts while enhancing yield cycles have also been reported, particularly in integrated aquaculture systems. Biotechnological developments in genetic selection and disease-resistant strains are emerging, enabling greater reliability in production and reducing vulnerability to climate variability. These trends align with increased interest in seaweed for carbon sequestration and climate mitigation benefits, although environmental conservation concerns persist as aquaculture scales up.
GreenWave Organics, a sustainable food distributor based in Portland, purchases a 20-ton container of raw, dried Undaria pinnatifida (Wakame) from the Korean marine harvest company Ocean's Harvest Co., Ltd. for the amount of USD 14,500 per metric ton, resulting in a total order value of USD 290,000. The seaweed is sun-dried, shredded, and certified for organic culinary use.
The biotechnology firm Algaphy BioSolutions utilizes premium-grade, dried Saccharina latissima (sugar kelp) as a key feedstock for its bioremediation project. For its pilot facility in Norway, the company procured 5 metric tons of dried seaweed from Nordic SeaFarm AS for USD 8,200 per ton. This seaweed is processed into a specialized alginate gel, which is installed in filtration systems at a partnered aquaculture plant to absorb dissolved heavy metals, with the contract for the bio-material valued at USD 52,000.
Asia continues to lead the dried seaweed market in both volume and innovation adoption. China remains the single largest producer, leveraging its vast coastal farms and processing capabilities. Its domestic market consumption is expanding alongside exports to food and industrial manufacturers worldwide. South Korea and Japan maintain significant influence through cultural consumption and premium product segments such as nori and kombu, which command higher price points in global markets. India and Bangladesh are emerging as production and processing centers, responding to both local consumption growth and export demand. Government initiatives in coastal development and aquaculture support have strengthened production ties in the region, enabling economies of scale and fostering new product innovation.
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Dried Seaweed by Type:
Kombu

Wakame

Dulse

Nori

Others

Dried Seaweed by Product Category:
Roasted Dried Seaweed

Sun-Dried Seaweed

Freeze-Dried Seaweed

Powdered Seaweed

Others

Dried Seaweed by Market Segment:
Sheets

Shredded/Strips

Granules

Powder

Others

Dried Seaweed by Features:
Organic Certified

Non GMO

High Iodine Content

Low Sodium Processed

Others

Dried Seaweed by Usage:
Household Cooking

Foodservice and Restaurants

Nutraceutical and Dietary Supplements

Food Ingredient Manufacturing

Others

Dried Seaweed by Application:
Food

Medicine

Skin Care Products

Anti-pollution Agent

Others

Global Top 10 Key Companies in the Dried Seaweed Market
Marcel Carrageenan (Philippines)

Seaweed Solutions AS (Norway)

Green Ocean Farming (Europe)

AtSeNova (Europe)

Nantong Xinlang Seaweed & Foods (China)

Beijing Leili Agricultural (China)

Organic Irish Seaweed-Emerald Isle (Ireland)

Roquette Seaweed Ingredients (France)

Cargill Seaweed Solutions (US)

Acadian Seaplants (Canada)

Regional Insights
Within Southeast Asia (ASEAN), Indonesia stands as a critical player, representing a substantial share of global seaweed cultivation and export. The archipelagic geography, warm tropical waters, and extensive coastline provide ideal conditions for high-yield seaweed farms. Indonesias seaweed industry supports millions of livelihoods and forms an essential part of its fisheries output. Other ASEAN nations such as the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam also contribute meaningfully to the regions supply, particularly with species like Eucheuma and Gracilaria, which feed into carrageenan and agar value chains. Regional collaboration initiatives and export-oriented policies have helped solidify ASEANs role as a pivotal supplier of dried seaweed to East Asian, European, and North American markets.
Despite robust growth, the dried seaweed industry faces several challenges. Environmental risks including climate change impacts, water quality degradation, and habitat loss threaten consistent production yields. Regulatory compliance related to food safety, heavy metal content, and international trade standards adds complexity and cost for producers targeting export markets. Price volatility in global commodity markets and dependence on seasonal harvest cycles can pressure margins, particularly for small-scale producers. Logistics and cold-chain challenges in some regions further complicate distribution efficiency and cost structures.
Strategic priorities for industry participants include investment in processing innovation to improve yield and quality, expansion of value-added product lines (such as seaweed snacks, supplements, and hydrocolloid derivatives), and strengthening sustainability credentials to meet evolving regulatory and consumer expectations. Partnerships with research institutions to optimize cultivation practices and broaden species diversity can mitigate some environmental and supply chain risks. Market diversification beyond traditional food applications into pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and biodegradable materials represents a significant long-term growth lever.

Product Models
Dried seaweed refers to sea vegetables that have been harvested and dehydrated for use as food ingredients, snacks, culinary seasonings, supplements, and industrial applications.
Kombu is a type of brown kelp dried for broths, soups, and culinary depth; rich in umami. Notable products include:
Starter Pack Kombu Seaweed Solutions AS: Basic dried kelp pieces (Low, $8 to $14, Beginners & educators) entry-level seaweed ingredient.
Bulk Kombu Green Ocean Farming: Bulk dried kombu for food production (Low, $5 to $10/kg, Wholesale buyers) cost-effective raw material.
Dashi Grade Kombu AtSeNova: Packaged for traditional Japanese dashi (High, $35 to $50, Professional chefs) superior umami quality.
Economy Kombu Nantong Xinlang Seaweed & Foods: Standard dried kombu sheets (Low, $6 to $12, Bulk food suppliers) simple dried seaweed product.
Wakame is an edible brown algae with a subtly sweet flavor, commonly used in soups and salads. Notable products include:
Wakame Powder Oceans Balance: Easy-mix powder for smoothies or sauces (Middle, $20 to $28, Nutraceutical users) concentrated nutrients.
Premium Wakame Strips AtSeNova: Chef-grade dried wakame (High, $32 to $45, Professional kitchens) high flavor integrity.
Sprinkle Wakame Flakes Green Ocean Farming: Flake form seasoning (Low, $8 to $16, Everyday cooks) easy to add to dishes.
Wakame Snack Bites Oceans Balance: Flavored seaweed snack (Middle, $14 to $24, Snack consumers) crispy, nutrient rich.
Organic Wakame Blend Nantong Xinlang Seaweed & Foods: Mixed sea vegetable pack (Low, $9 to $15, Multi-use buyers) wakame with other seaweeds.
Dulse is a red seaweed with a savory, chewy texture often used as a snack or ingredient. Notable products include:
Dulse Chips Green Ocean Farming: Snack form seaweed (Low, $10 to $16, Casual snackers) crispy red seaweed.
Bulk Dulse Seaweed Solutions AS: Loose dried product (Low, $7 to $13, Food manufacturers) basic supply.
Organic Dulse Sticks AtSeNova: Premium snack sticks (High, $30 to $45, Gourmet consumers) high-end seaweed snack.
Economy Dulse Pack Nantong Xinlang Seaweed & Foods: Dried red seaweed (Low, $8 to $12, Budget buyers) basic dried form.
Artisan Dulse Flakes Cargill Seaweed Solutions: Specialty seasoning (High, $36 to $55, Culinary brands) curated seaweed derivative.
Nori is aThin, dark sheets of dried seaweed primarily used to wrap sushi and rice rolls. Notable products include:
Nori Snack Strips Green Ocean Farming: Crispy snack form (Low, $9 to $15, Everyday snackers) light, savory snack.
Bulk Nori Seaweed Solutions AS: Dried sheets in bulk (Low, $6 to $12, Wholesale) cost-effective stock.
Gourmet Nori Pack AtSeNova: Specialty nori set (High, $30 to $50, Food service) curated variety.
Executive Nori Sheets Marcel Carrageenan: Premium seaweed wrap (High, $35 to $55, Gourmet markets) top quality.
Economy Nori Rolls Nantong Xinlang Seaweed & Foods: Basic nori sheets (Low, $7 to $13, Budget consumers) standard dried seaweed.

The global dried seaweed market is on a solid growth trajectory, underpinned by strong demand in food, industrial, and health-oriented applications. Asia, particularly China and Indonesia, continues to shape the supply landscape, while evolving consumer preferences and technological innovations fuel expansion into new markets and product segments. Challenges around sustainability and regulatory compliance persist, but strategic investments in technology and diversification promise to mitigate risks and unlock new opportunities.

Investor Analysis
For investors, this research report highlights what the key value drivers are (market size, growth rates, and profitability margins), how the industry is evolving (through adoption of technology and diversification of applications), and why these factors matter (demand growth, profitability potential, and strategic positioning). Understanding unit economics including the price point, factory gross margin, and breakdown of COGS provides clarity on operational profitability. The regional insights emphasize investment attractiveness in Asia and ASEAN, where production scalability and export potential remain high. Investors can leverage these insights to evaluate entry points, assess risk exposure, and prioritize strategic partnerships or acquisitions. Moreover, awareness of industry challenges and technological trends informs due diligence and long-term planning, particularly in sustainable and value-added segments.

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5 Reasons to Buy This Report
Comprehensive global and regional analysis drawing on current market data and trends.
Detailed breakdown of economics including pricing, costs, production capacity, and profitability.
Insight into technological developments shaping future competitiveness.
Focused coverage of Asia and ASEAN markets with contextual industry drivers.
Strategic foresight for investors on growth opportunities and risk factors.
5 Key Questions Answered
What is the current global dried seaweed market size and projected growth?
How do production costs and pricing dynamics impact profitability?
Which regions and countries dominate supply and demand?
What technological advancements are influencing industry evolution?
Who are the leading players and what competitive strategies are they employing?
Chapter Outline
Chapter 1: Introduces the report scope of the report, executive summary of different market segments (by region, product type, application, etc), including the market size of each market segment, future development potential, and so on. It offers a high-level view of the current state of the market and its likely evolution in the short to mid-term, and long term.
Chapter 2: key insights, key emerging trends, etc.
Chapter 3: Manufacturers competitive analysis, detailed analysis of the product manufacturers competitive landscape, price, sales and revenue market share, latest development plan, merger, and acquisition information, etc.
Chapter 4: Provides profiles of key players, introducing the basic situation of the main companies in the market in detail, including product sales, revenue, price, gross margin, product introduction, recent development, etc.
Chapter 5 & 6: Sales, revenue of the product in regional level and country level. It provides a quantitative analysis of the market size and development potential of each region and its main countries and introduces the market development, future development prospects, market space, and market size of each country in the world.
Chapter 7: Provides the analysis of various market segments by Type, covering the market size and development potential of each market segment, to help readers find the blue ocean market in different market segments.
Chapter 8: Provides the analysis of various market segments by Application, covering the market size and development potential of each market segment, to help readers find the blue ocean market in different downstream markets.
Chapter 9: Analysis of industrial chain, including the upstream and downstream of the industry.
Chapter 10: The main points and conclusions of the report.

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