Sub Product
Ammonium alginate, Calcium alginate, Potassium alginate, Propylene glycol alginate, +1
HS Code
130239
Last Updated
2026-06-27
Key takeaways for search and sourcing teams
- Alginate market coverage spans 129 countries.
- 708 exporter companies and 718 importer companies are indexed in the global supply chain intelligence network for this product.
- 1,489 supplier-linked transactions are summarized across the top 20 countries.
- 1 premium suppliers and 0 catalog items are currently listed.
- Wholesale sample entries: 0; farmgate sample entries: 0.
- Latest reference year in this page dataset is 2024.
- Page data last updated on 2026-06-27.
Global Supplier Transactions, Export Activity, and Price Benchmarks for Alginate
Analyze 1,489 supplier-linked transactions across the top 20 countries, with monthly unit-price benchmarks to track export competitiveness and sourcing risk for Alginate.
Alginate Country YoY Change in Supplier Transactions and Export Momentum
Compare positive and negative YoY shifts in Alginate to identify accelerating supplier markets and weakening export corridors.
Top YoY shifts for Alginate: Thailand (+373.8%), Germany (+248.1%), South Korea (+145.9%).
Alginate Country-Level Supplier Transaction and Unit Price Summary
As of 2025-07, benchmark Alginate country transaction counts with monthly unit price and volume to prioritize supplier and export markets.
In 2025-12, countries with visible Alginate transaction unit prices: Germany (108.21 USD / kg), South Korea (56.94 USD / kg), France (48.96 USD / kg), Spain (45.77 USD / kg), Brazil (34.58 USD / kg), 8 more countries.
| Country | YoY Change | Transaction Count | 2025-07 | 2025-08 | 2025-09 | 2025-10 | 2025-11 | 2025-12 | 2026-01 | 2026-02 | 2026-03 | 2026-04 | 2026-05 | 2026-06 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | +110.6% | 37 | 9.36 USD / kg (6,013.5 kg) | 38.94 USD / kg (4,493.66 kg) | 9.72 USD / kg (2,004.86 kg) | 71.82 USD / kg (166.55 kg) | 24.30 USD / kg (1,066.01 kg) | 45.77 USD / kg (1,620 kg) | ||||||
| Chile | -75.7% | 1,086 | 1.48 USD / kg (4,844,921 kg) | 1.48 USD / kg (3,957,403 kg) | 1.46 USD / kg (3,469,650 kg) | 1.44 USD / kg (4,295,313 kg) | 1.53 USD / kg (3,138,028 kg) | 1.49 USD / kg (4,251,687 kg) | ||||||
| China | +23.8% | 134 | 7.45 USD / kg (77,652.05 kg) | 16.82 USD / kg (71,589.88 kg) | 10.26 USD / kg (42,973 kg) | 16.42 USD / kg (11,700 kg) | 26.42 USD / kg (32,238 kg) | 14.39 USD / kg (99,514 kg) | ||||||
| Peru | -26.1% | 10 | 2.29 USD / kg (1,200 kg) | - (-) | 3.78 USD / kg (5,171 kg) | - (-) | 3.00 USD / kg (12,415 kg) | - (-) | ||||||
| South Korea | +145.9% | 8 | 5.05 USD / kg (111.17 kg) | - (-) | - (-) | 15.67 USD / kg (31.7 kg) | - (-) | 56.94 USD / kg (77 kg) | ||||||
| Switzerland | +21.3% | 5 | - (-) | - (-) | 26.84 USD / kg (1,000 kg) | - (-) | - (-) | 7.60 USD / kg (8,000 kg) | ||||||
| Brazil | -14.6% | 15 | 24.37 USD / kg (6,009 kg) | - (-) | 11.37 USD / kg (1,010 kg) | 7.99 USD / kg (10 kg) | 4.58 USD / kg (17,525 kg) | 34.58 USD / kg (1 kg) | ||||||
| Japan | -14.1% | 7 | - (-) | 52.63 USD / kg (40 kg) | - (-) | 16.51 USD / kg (398 kg) | - (-) | 15.71 USD / kg (498 kg) | ||||||
| United States | +8.5% | 32 | 19.43 USD / kg (14,683 kg) | 16.12 USD / kg (22,700 kg) | 28.98 USD / kg (5,647.7 kg) | 18.18 USD / kg (338.86 kg) | 18.53 USD / kg (21,115 kg) | 25.93 USD / kg (25,378.63 kg) | ||||||
| France | +71.3% | 20 | 47.12 USD / kg (20 kg) | 23.89 USD / kg (1,556.5 kg) | 5.00 USD / kg (2 kg) | 15.34 USD / kg (850 kg) | 2.62 USD / kg (10,000 kg) | 48.96 USD / kg (2,105.2 kg) |
Alginate Global Supply Chain Coverage
1,426 companies
708 exporters and 718 importers are mapped for Alginate.
Exporters and importers can use Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to identify counterparties for Alginate, benchmark reach, and prioritize outreach by market.
Alginate Export Supplier Intelligence, Trade Flows, and Price Signals
708 exporter companies are mapped in Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence for Alginate. Exporters and importers can use company profiles and analytics to evaluate supplier coverage, trading activity, and route opportunities.
Alginate Verified Export Suppliers and Premium Partners
1 premium Alginate suppliers include country, industry, and contactability signals to prioritize credible export partners faster.
Bakels Sweden AB
Sweden
Food Manufacturing
Become a Premium Supplier to join the Tridge Supply Chain Network and advance your marketing and export channel strategy.
Alginate Top Exporters and Supplier Profiles
Review leading exporter profiles while benchmarking against 708 total exporter companies in the Alginate supply chain intelligence network. Exporters and importers can unlock company profiles and analytics to qualify partners faster.
(Indonesia)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-02-03
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: 11 - 50 Employees
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleTrade
(Estonia)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-05-27
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: 11 - 50 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD 5M - 10M
Industries: Beverage ManufacturingFood ManufacturingFood Services And Drinking Places
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleLogisticsTrade
(China)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-05-27
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: Trade
(South Korea)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-05-27
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: 11 - 50 Employees
Industries: Land TransportOthers
Value Chain Roles: LogisticsOthers
(Turkiye)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-05-27
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: Trade
(Uruguay)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-05-27
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: Trade
Alginate Global Exporter Coverage
708 companies
Exporter company count is a key signal for Alginate supply depth and sourcing optionality.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics to narrow Alginate opportunities by country, product, and value-chain role, then open company profiles to validate fit.
Top Exporting Countries for Alginate (HS Code 130239) in 2024
For Alginate in 2024, compare export volume and value across the top 10 supplier countries to map core supply structure.
| Rank | Country | Volume | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Philippines | 32,611,207.68 kg | 232,956,112 USD |
| 2 | Spain | 14,503,466.243 kg | 139,775,483.08 USD |
| 3 | Chile | 5,924,842.49 kg | 93,131,337.94 USD |
| 4 | United States | 3,381,624 kg | 71,705,273 USD |
| 5 | Germany | 6,236,744.716 kg | 56,061,950.045 USD |
| 6 | Netherlands | 6,250,354 kg | 30,708,254.996 USD |
| 7 | South Korea | 2,238,526.298 kg | 27,047,725 USD |
| 8 | India | 19,107,944.09 kg | 20,214,773.632 USD |
| 9 | Canada | 2,822,876 kg | 16,638,311.769 USD |
| 10 | Italy | 3,175,483 kg | 14,861,045.832 USD |
Alginate Export Trade Flow and Partner Country Summary
Track Alginate exporter-to-importer flows by value, volume, and share to uncover high-potential export routes.
Alginate Import Buyer Intelligence, Demand Signals, and Price Benchmarks
718 importer companies are mapped for Alginate demand intelligence. Use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to prioritize buyers, distributors, and downstream demand partners by market.
Alginate Top Buyers, Importers, and Demand Partners
Review leading buyer profiles and compare them against 718 total importer companies tracked for Alginate. Exporters and importers can use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to evaluate buyer quality and demand concentration.
(Russia)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-05-27
Industries: Food ManufacturingFood WholesalersOthers
Value Chain Roles: -
(India)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-05-27
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: -
(Russia)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-05-27
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: 11 - 50 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD 10M - 50M
Industries: Food ManufacturingOthers
Value Chain Roles: -
(Vietnam)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-05-27
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Food Wholesalers
Value Chain Roles: -
(Argentina)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-05-27
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: -
(Russia)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-05-27
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: -
Global Importer Coverage
718 companies
Importer company count highlights the current depth of demand-side visibility for Alginate.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics and company profiles to identify active Alginate buyers, compare partner density by country, and refine GTM priorities.
Top Import Demand Countries for Alginate (HS Code 130239) in 2024
For Alginate in 2024, compare import volume and value across the top 10 demand countries to identify priority markets.
| Rank | Country | Volume | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 11,951,815 kg | 129,591,064 USD |
| 2 | Germany | 13,256,305.745 kg | 107,034,097.979 USD |
| 3 | Spain | 9,083,157.375 kg | 86,270,874.977 USD |
| 4 | Mexico | 5,863,382.334 kg | 61,076,346 USD |
| 5 | Thailand | 5,442,447.72 kg | 48,196,897.93 USD |
| 6 | South Korea | 1,417,867.201 kg | 45,857,869 USD |
| 7 | Netherlands | 3,700,709 kg | 42,956,814.314 USD |
| 8 | Denmark | 3,294,753 kg | 42,403,352.006 USD |
| 9 | Brazil | 4,370,336.107 kg | 36,485,122 USD |
| 10 | Poland | 3,417,821.316 kg | 30,924,736 USD |
Alginate Import Trade Flow and Origin Country Summary
Analyze Alginate origin-to-destination trade flows by value, volume, and share to monitor demand-side sourcing channels.
Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormDry powder
Industry PositionFood Additive (Hydrocolloid)
Market
Alginate (alginic acid and its salts/esters; INS 400–405) is a seaweed-derived hydrocolloid used globally as a thickener, stabilizer, and gelling agent across many food categories under Codex provisions. Supply is tied to brown seaweed feedstocks (notably Laminaria/Saccharina, Ascophyllum, Macrocystis, and Lessonia) harvested or cultivated in coastal regions spanning East Asia, the North Atlantic/Europe, and parts of the Americas. UN Comtrade data for HS 391310 indicates significant cross-border trade, with France, Japan, and Chile among major exporters and the United States and several large food-processing economies among major importers. Trade and supply reliability are sensitive to ocean-climate shocks and ecosystem disruptions affecting kelp availability, as well as buyer specifications for viscosity and gel performance.
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
Major Producing Countries
- ChinaLarge-scale Laminaria (Saccharina) cultivation provides a major brown-seaweed feedstock base; FAO describes surplus Laminaria availability for alginate production alongside food use.
- NorwayFAO identifies Norway among principal Laminaria harvesting locations and describes industrial harvesting systems used by Norwegian alginate producers for North Atlantic brown seaweeds.
- FranceFAO notes Laminaria harvesting in France; UN Comtrade data (HS 391310) shows France among top exporters of alginic acid, salts and esters.
- JapanFAO describes Japan using domestic Laminaria material unsuitable for food and supplementing with other sources; UN Comtrade data (HS 391310) shows Japan among top exporters and importers.
- ChileFAO describes Lessonia and Durvillaea resources and exports used in alginate supply chains; UN Comtrade data (HS 391310) shows Chile among top exporters.
- United StatesFAO describes Macrocystis harvesting on the U.S. West Coast as an alginate feedstock; UN Comtrade data (HS 391310) shows the U.S. as a major importer.
Major Exporting Countries
- FranceAmong top exporters by HS 391310 in 2024 (UN Comtrade via WITS).
- JapanAmong top exporters by HS 391310 in 2024 (UN Comtrade via WITS).
- ChileAmong top exporters by HS 391310 in 2024 (UN Comtrade via WITS); also a key source of brown seaweed feedstocks described by FAO.
- NetherlandsAmong top exporters by HS 391310 in 2024 (UN Comtrade via WITS).
- GermanyAmong top exporters by HS 391310 in 2024 (UN Comtrade via WITS).
Major Importing Countries
- United StatesAmong top importers by HS 391310 in 2024 (UN Comtrade via WITS).
- JapanAmong top importers by HS 391310 in 2024 (UN Comtrade via WITS).
- ItalyAmong top importers by HS 391310 in 2024 (UN Comtrade via WITS).
- GermanyAmong top importers by HS 391310 in 2024 (UN Comtrade via WITS).
- South KoreaAmong top importers by HS 391310 in 2024 (UN Comtrade via WITS); FAO also cites Korea as a Laminaria harvesting location.
Supply Calendar
- China (Northern kelp farming areas):Jun, JulFAO guidance for Laminaria cultivation in China notes harvesting is generally between late June and mid-July in northern China (with completion before end of July).
- China (Southern kelp farming areas):Apr, May, JunFAO guidance for Laminaria cultivation in China notes harvest may begin in late-to-mid April and be completed before mid-June in southern China (location-dependent).
Specification
Major VarietiesAlginic acid (INS 400), Sodium alginate (INS 401), Potassium alginate (INS 402), Ammonium alginate (INS 403), Calcium alginate (INS 404), Propylene glycol alginate (INS 405)
Physical Attributes
- Seaweed-derived anionic polysaccharide used to create viscous aqueous solutions and gels (notably via calcium cross-linking).
- Performance varies by brown seaweed species and alginate block composition (mannuronic vs. guluronic acid distribution).
Compositional Metrics
- M/G (mannuronic-to-guluronic) composition and block structure are commonly used to interpret gel strength and viscosity behavior.
- Viscosity grade (solution viscosity under defined conditions) is a key commercial specification parameter tied to processing conditions and molecular weight.
Grades
- Food additive specifications are maintained through the FAO/WHO JECFA system (FAO Combined Compendium of Food Additive Specifications).
- Codex GSFA provisions commonly reference GMP use levels for sodium alginate across multiple food categories.
Packaging
- Moisture-protective packaging is used to limit hydration and caking during storage and transport of powder hydrocolloids.
ProcessingDispersion and hydration control are important to avoid lumping; viscosity and gelation behavior are sensitive to calcium ions and process conditions.
Supply Chain
Value Chain
- Seaweed harvesting or aquaculture -> washing/cleaning -> drying -> milling -> pretreatment (commonly dilute acid) -> alkaline extraction to soluble alginate -> separation/clarification and filtration -> conversion/precipitation steps -> drying -> milling/blending -> packaging -> industrial ingredient distribution
Demand Drivers
- Broad functionality (thickener, stabilizer, gelling agent, emulsifier) and wide Codex GSFA coverage across multiple food categories under GMP provisions.
- Technical performance needs (texture, suspension stability, gel structure) in dairy, beverages, confectionery, sauces, and restructured foods.
Temperature
- Dry storage is important to protect functional viscosity; elevated heat/time during extraction is used to tune viscosity but can reduce molecular weight and viscosity.
- Avoiding moisture uptake during storage and transport helps prevent caking and performance drift.
Shelf Life
- Very high-viscosity alginate products can be more prone to viscosity loss over time in storage (FAO notes sensitivity over multi-month periods, with moisture as a contributing factor).
Risks
Climate HighAlginate supply depends on brown seaweeds (kelps/wracks) that are vulnerable to ocean warming and extreme events; marine heatwaves have been documented to drive severe kelp declines, which can rapidly tighten feedstock availability and disrupt regional harvesting.Diversify approved feedstock species and origin regions (cultivated and wild), maintain safety stocks of critical viscosity grades, and monitor marine heatwave and ocean-condition indicators in key kelp regions.
Raw Material Availability MediumCommercial alginate production relies on a limited set of brown seaweed genera and on access to coastal harvesting/aquaculture areas; seasonal windows and weather constraints can compress harvest timing and affect quality and yield.Multi-origin sourcing (e.g., East Asia plus North Atlantic plus South America), supplier qualification across alternative seaweed genera, and contracted raw material programs that blend cultivated and wild inputs.
Quality Consistency MediumAlginate properties vary by species and extraction conditions; variability in molecular weight and M/G composition can change viscosity, gel strength, and end-product performance, leading to reformulation or customer claims.Tight incoming QC on viscosity and functional performance, grade standardization/blending, and application-specific specifications (e.g., calcium reactivity and target gel profile).
Food Safety MediumAs a food additive, alginate must meet purity and contaminant limits set in food-additive specifications; inadequate control of contaminants or residual process chemicals can trigger non-compliance, recalls, or import detentions.Use JECFA-spec-compliant suppliers, implement robust contaminant testing (including heavy metals where relevant), and maintain batch traceability to seaweed source and process lot.
Regulatory Compliance MediumFood additive permissions and labeling expectations can vary by jurisdiction; even when aligned to Codex principles, buyers may require proof of conformity to local additive lists, INS/E-number alignment, and GMP use justification.Maintain a regulatory matrix by destination market, verify INS identity and permitted uses per product and food category, and ensure documentation supports GMP usage and specification conformance.
Sustainability
- Marine ecosystem stewardship for kelp/wrack harvesting and aquaculture (habitat impacts, harvest controls, and traceability from coastal source areas).
- Process chemistry and effluent management in extraction (acid/alkali use, separation aids, and waste streams) to meet ESG and local compliance expectations.
Labor & Social
- Worker safety risks in coastal harvesting operations (boats, cutting, storm exposure) and in processing plants handling acids/alkalis and fine powders.
FAQ
What is alginate and what is it made from?Alginate refers to alginic acid and its salts/esters (INS 400–405) that are extracted from brown seaweeds (kelps and wracks). FAO describes major commercial sources including genera such as Laminaria/Saccharina, Ascophyllum, Macrocystis, Lessonia, and Sargassum.
What does alginate do in food applications?In food, alginate is commonly used as a thickener, stabilizer, and gelling agent, and some forms are also used as emulsifiers. Codex GSFA lists sodium alginate (INS 401) with multiple functional classes and provides GMP-based provisions across numerous food categories.
Which countries are major exporters and importers of alginate in trade statistics?UN Comtrade trade statistics for HS 391310 (alginic acid, its salts and esters, in primary forms) show major exporters including France, Japan, Chile, the Netherlands, and Germany, and major importers including the United States, Japan, Italy, Germany, and the Republic of Korea.
Alginate Country Coverage for Suppliers, Export Flows, and Prices
Explore country-level Alginate market pages for supplier coverage, trade flows, and price benchmarks.
All country market pages: China, Netherlands, Canada, United States, Germany, Mexico, Costa Rica, Spain, France, Vietnam, Poland, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, Chile, Kazakhstan, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Bolivia, South Korea, Belgium, Ukraine, Peru, Pakistan, India, Uruguay, Austria, Ecuador, Azerbaijan, Denmark, Colombia, Czechia, Switzerland, Norway, Egypt, Turkiye, Argentina, Estonia, Ireland, Latvia, South Africa, Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Ethiopia, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, Malaysia, Brazil, Uganda, New Zealand, Sweden, Hungary, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Romania, Slovakia, Finland, Lithuania, Slovenia, Greece, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Guatemala, Bulgaria, Andorra, Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Barbados, Burkina Faso, Bahrain, Benin, Bermuda, Brunei, Bahamas, Botswana, Belize, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Cuba, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Honduras, Croatia, Iran, Iceland, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Cambodia, Kuwait, Laos, Sri Lanka, Luxembourg, Morocco, Moldova, Montenegro, Madagascar, Macedonia, Myanmar [Burma], Mongolia, Macao, Malta, Mauritius, Maldives, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nicaragua, Nepal, Oman, Panama, Portugal, Paraguay, Qatar, Serbia, Senegal, El Salvador, Togo, Tunisia, Taiwan, Tanzania, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Related Alginate Product Categories
Browse parent, sub, derived, and raw-material product market pages related to Alginate.
By clicking “Accept Cookies,” I agree to provide cookies for statistical and personalized preference purposes. To learn more about our cookies, please read our Privacy Policy.