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Dried Kelp Suppliers, Trade & Prices — Market Overview 2026

Sub Product
Dried Wild Harvested Kombu Kelp
Raw Materials
Fresh Kelp
HS Code
121221
Last Updated
2026-09-13
Key takeaways for search and sourcing teams
  • Dried Kelp market coverage spans 127 countries.
  • 186 exporter companies and 185 importer companies are indexed in the global supply chain intelligence network for this product.
  • 307 supplier-linked transactions are summarized across the top 10 countries.
  • Latest reference year in this page dataset is 2026.
  • Page data last updated on 2026-09-13.

Global Supplier Transactions, Export Activity, and Price Benchmarks for Dried Kelp

Analyze 307 supplier-linked transactions across the top 10 countries, with monthly unit-price benchmarks to track export competitiveness and sourcing risk for Dried Kelp.

Dried Kelp Country YoY Change in Supplier Transactions and Export Momentum

Compare positive and negative YoY shifts in Dried Kelp to identify accelerating supplier markets and weakening export corridors.
Top YoY shifts for Dried Kelp: Chile (-46.3%), Japan (+31.5%), Peru (-22.6%).

Dried Kelp Country-Level Supplier Transaction and Unit Price Summary

As of 2025-10, benchmark Dried Kelp country transaction counts with monthly unit price and volume to prioritize supplier and export markets.
In 2026-03, countries with visible Dried Kelp transaction unit prices: Japan (21.91 USD / kg), United States (16.94 USD / kg), China (7.04 USD / kg), Peru (0.69 USD / kg).
CountryYoY ChangeTransaction Count2025-102025-112025-122026-012026-022026-032026-042026-052026-062026-072026-082026-09
Peru-22.6%1560.73 USD / kg (422,840 kg)0.73 USD / kg (857,690 kg)0.74 USD / kg (680,746 kg)0.72 USD / kg (645,026 kg)0.69 USD / kg (1,425,480 kg)0.69 USD / kg (1,497,310 kg)
China+2.4%582.15 USD / kg (27,494 kg)2.74 USD / kg (3,015 kg)3.52 USD / kg (9,367 kg)2.91 USD / kg (37,170 kg)2.05 USD / kg (34,570 kg)7.04 USD / kg (-)
Japan+31.5%358.58 USD / kg (31,725 kg)8.27 USD / kg (30,340 kg)19.57 USD / kg (1,542 kg)8.71 USD / kg (16,150 kg)1.10 USD / kg (100 kg)21.91 USD / kg (58.5 kg)
United States-19.3%157.44 USD / kg (454.92 kg)21.97 USD / kg (10.92 kg)8.97 USD / kg (1,954.5 kg)- (-)16.70 USD / kg (1,835.03 kg)16.94 USD / kg (7.07 kg)
South Korea-21.1%203.15 USD / kg (30,427.4 kg)7.08 USD / kg (9,180 kg)6.90 USD / kg (81,786 kg)6.20 USD / kg (41,710 kg)0.70 USD / kg (684.16 kg)- (-)
Australia-1- (-)- (-)- (-)3.85 USD / kg (66,720 kg)- (-)- (-)
United Arab Emirates-1- (-)- (-)- (-)2.36 USD / kg (10 kg)- (-)- (-)
Chile-46.3%191.31 USD / kg (300,600 kg)2.19 USD / kg (81,210 kg)- (-)- (-)- (-)- (-)
Singapore-10.65 USD / kg (16,949 kg)- (-)- (-)- (-)- (-)- (-)
Brazil-1- (-)- (-)- (-)- (-)- (-)- (-)
Dried Kelp Global Supply Chain Coverage
371 companies
186 exporters and 185 importers are mapped for Dried Kelp.
Exporters and importers can use Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to identify counterparties for Dried Kelp, benchmark reach, and prioritize outreach by market.

Dried Kelp Export Supplier Intelligence, Trade Flows, and Price Signals

186 exporter companies are mapped in Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence for Dried Kelp. Exporters and importers can use company profiles and analytics to evaluate supplier coverage, trading activity, and route opportunities.

Dried Kelp Top Exporters and Supplier Profiles

Review leading exporter profiles while benchmarking against 186 total exporter companies in the Dried Kelp supply chain intelligence network. Exporters and importers can unlock company profiles and analytics to qualify partners faster.
(Peru)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-07-22
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: 11 - 50 Employees
Industries: Fishing AquacultureFood Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: Farming / Production / Processing / PackingTrade
Exporting Countries: Chile, China
Supplying Products: Dried Seaweed, Dried Kelp, Fresh Seaweed +5
(Peru)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-07-22
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Fishing AquacultureFood Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: Farming / Production / Processing / PackingTrade
Exporting Countries: Ecuador, Chile, China
Supplying Products: Dried Seaweed, Dried Kelp, Soy Sauce +5
(Peru)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-06-16
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Brokers And Trade AgenciesFood Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: Trade
Exporting Countries: Ecuador, Chile, China
Supplying Products: Dried Seaweed, Dried Kelp, Dried Wild Harvested Kombu Kelp +2
(Peru)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-07-17
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Fishing AquacultureFood Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: Farming / Production / Processing / PackingTrade
Exporting Countries: France, Chile, China
Supplying Products: Dried Seaweed, Dried Kelp, Dried Ecklonia stolonifera +4
(Peru)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-06-10
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: 11 - 50 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD 1M - 5M
Industries: Fishing AquacultureFood ManufacturingFood Packaging
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleFarming / Production / Processing / PackingFood Manufacturing
Exporting Countries: Chile, China
Supplying Products: Dried Seaweed, Dried Kelp, Dried Sea Lettuce +2
(Peru)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-08-13
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Fishing AquacultureFood Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: Farming / Production / Processing / PackingTrade
Exporting Countries: Ecuador, Chile, China
Supplying Products: Dried Seaweed, Dried Kelp, Asparagus +5
Dried Kelp Global Exporter Coverage
186 companies
Exporter company count is a key signal for Dried Kelp supply depth and sourcing optionality.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics to narrow Dried Kelp opportunities by country, product, and value-chain role, then open company profiles to validate fit.

Top Exporting Countries for Dried Kelp (HS Code 121221) in 2024

For Dried Kelp in 2024, compare export volume and value across the top 10 supplier countries to map core supply structure.
RankCountryVolumeValue
1South Korea29,680,840.401 kg476,561,517 USD
2Japan1,012,482 kg20,948,043.474 USD
3Philippines10,086,229.6 kg13,116,536 USD
4Denmark1,968,016 kg12,941,950.934 USD
5United Kingdom843,597 kg10,001,070.004 USD
6United States751,221 kg8,488,686 USD
7Netherlands630,546 kg7,203,234.385 USD
8Canada488,211.731 kg6,874,847.001 USD
9Germany315,731.626 kg4,854,406.008 USD
10Spain533,619.855 kg3,583,019.798 USD

Dried Kelp Export Trade Flow and Partner Country Summary

Track Dried Kelp exporter-to-importer flows by value, volume, and share to uncover high-potential export routes.
Sourcing diagnosis
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Dried Kelp Import Buyer Intelligence, Demand Signals, and Price Benchmarks

185 importer companies are mapped for Dried Kelp demand intelligence. Use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to prioritize buyers, distributors, and downstream demand partners by market.

Dried Kelp Top Buyers, Importers, and Demand Partners

Review leading buyer profiles and compare them against 185 total importer companies tracked for Dried Kelp. Exporters and importers can use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to evaluate buyer quality and demand concentration.
(Argentina)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-08-13
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Food Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: Uruguay
(Argentina)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-08-13
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Food Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: Germany
(United States)
Latest Import Transaction: 2025-12-24
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: -
(Philippines)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-08-13
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: 51 - 100 Employees
Industries: Beverage ManufacturingFood ManufacturingFood PackagingOthers
Value Chain Roles: United Arab Emirates, Ireland, Pakistan, Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand, Australia, South Africa, India, Mexico
(Argentina)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-08-13
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: 1 - 10 Employees
Industries: Beverage ManufacturingFood Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: Israel, Bolivia, Peru, Costa Rica, Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay
(Argentina)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-08-13
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: Over 1000 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD 50M - 100M
Industries: Beverage ManufacturingFood ManufacturingFood PackagingOthers
Value Chain Roles: Paraguay, Angola, United States, Ecuador, Mexico, Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, Bolivia, Chile
Global Importer Coverage
185 companies
Importer company count highlights the current depth of demand-side visibility for Dried Kelp.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics and company profiles to identify active Dried Kelp buyers, compare partner density by country, and refine GTM priorities.

Top Import Demand Countries for Dried Kelp (HS Code 121221) in 2024

For Dried Kelp in 2024, compare import volume and value across the top 10 demand countries to identify priority markets.
RankCountryVolumeValue
1Japan39,673,078 kg299,390,429.78 USD
2Thailand5,600,397.676 kg97,342,696.03 USD
3United States8,169,673 kg78,019,924 USD
4Australia1,968,447.19 kg29,903,268.247 USD
5Brazil1,389,086 kg25,398,027 USD
6South Korea10,278,104.135 kg24,898,456 USD
7United Kingdom4,944,980 kg13,290,567.748 USD
8Germany1,469,567.168 kg11,383,819.591 USD
9Canada672,797.715 kg11,023,705.518 USD
10Poland607,657.197 kg10,658,626 USD

Dried Kelp Import Trade Flow and Origin Country Summary

Analyze Dried Kelp origin-to-destination trade flows by value, volume, and share to monitor demand-side sourcing channels.
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Global Wholesale Supplier Price Trends by Country for Dried Kelp

Dried Kelp Monthly Wholesale Supplier Price Summary by Country

Monthly Dried Kelp wholesale unit-price benchmarks by country for export and sourcing decisions.
In 2026-03, countries with visible Dried Kelp wholesale unit prices: Brazil (2.58 USD / kg), Taiwan (1.34 USD / kg), South Korea (1.15 USD / kg).
Country2025-102025-112025-122026-012026-022026-032026-042026-052026-062026-072026-082026-09
South Korea1.25 USD / kg1.22 USD / kg1.31 USD / kg1.54 USD / kg1.33 USD / kg1.15 USD / kg
Brazil2.39 USD / kg2.47 USD / kg2.37 USD / kg2.48 USD / kg2.55 USD / kg2.58 USD / kg
Taiwan1.45 USD / kg1.41 USD / kg1.37 USD / kg1.34 USD / kg1.43 USD / kg1.34 USD / kg

Dried Kelp Wholesale Price Competitiveness by Major Exporting Countries

Compare Dried Kelp wholesale price ranges and YoY changes across the top 3 exporting countries to benchmark supplier price competitiveness.
RankCountryAverageLowerUpperYoY
1South Korea1.29 USD / kg0.41 USD / kg4.14 USD / kg-1.8%
2Brazil2.48 USD / kg1.82 USD / kg3.29 USD / kg+1.0%
3Taiwan1.45 USD / kg0.47 USD / kg2.29 USD / kg+6.5%

Latest Dried Kelp Wholesale Export Price Updates

Use the latest 5 Dried Kelp wholesale updates to validate current export price points and origin-level supplier changes.
DateEntry NameUnit Price (USD) 
2026-09-01다시마 **** * *** ** ***** ****59.73 USD / kg
2026-09-01다시마 **** * *** ** ***** ****7.33 USD / kg
2026-09-01다시마 **** * *** ** ***** ****11.89 USD / kg
2026-09-01다시마 ****** * *** ** ***** ****25.71 USD / kg
2026-09-01다시마 **** * *** ** ***** **15.94 USD / kg
Price data
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Classification

Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDried
Industry PositionPrimary Aquaculture Product

Raw Material

Commodity GroupEdible seaweed (kelp)
Scientific NameLaminariaceae kelps used in food trade, including Saccharina japonica (syn. Laminaria japonica) and Saccharina latissima
PerishabilityLow (dried, if kept dry and protected from humidity); High when fresh or rehydrated
Growing Conditions
  • Cold-temperate coastal marine waters with good water exchange and nutrient availability
  • Temperature-sensitive growth; elevated summer temperatures can reduce quality and increase blade deterioration risk
  • Water quality considerations are critical because seaweeds can accumulate iodine and environmental contaminants
Main VarietiesSaccharina/Laminaria (kombu-type kelps), Sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima), Winged kelp (Alaria esculenta)
Consumption Forms
  • Soup stock/broth base (kombu/dashi-style applications)
  • Rehydrated ingredient for simmered dishes, salads, and side dishes
  • Kelp flakes/powder for seasoning, soup mixes, and ingredient use
  • Further processed kelp foods (e.g., seasoned/pickled products) using dried kelp as an input
Grading Factors
  • Species identity and origin documentation
  • Moisture condition and absence of mold
  • Foreign matter (sand, shells, rope fragments) control
  • Blade thickness/size and uniformity; cut type (whole, strips, flakes, powder)
  • Color, odor, and rehydration performance for intended culinary use
  • Compliance test results for iodine and relevant contaminants (e.g., heavy metals) per destination market
Planting to HarvestTypically one cool-season farming cycle (often seeded in late summer/fall and harvested in spring to early summer), with timing varying by species and latitude; some systems extend grow-out toward mid-summer where temperatures allow

Market

Dried kelp is a globally traded edible seaweed product, supplied primarily from large-scale kelp aquaculture and coastal harvesting in East Asia, with smaller but growing farmed supply in North America and Northern Europe. The most commercially important edible kelps in trade are Laminariaceae species (e.g., Saccharina/Laminaria), sold as dried blades, strips, or cut forms for soup stock and rehydrated dishes, and increasingly as powders/flakes for seasoning and ingredient applications. Trade is commonly captured under HS subheading 121221 (seaweeds and other algae fit for human consumption), but this code also includes other edible seaweeds beyond kelp, so product-level trade analysis typically requires additional description/specification. Market dynamics are shaped by strong culinary demand in Japan, the Republic of Korea, and China, plus expanding use in non-traditional markets alongside heightened buyer scrutiny on contaminants and labeling. Supply risk is elevated by marine heatwaves and temperature thresholds that can shorten growing seasons or force early harvests in key producing regions.
Market GrowthGrowing (medium-term outlook)expanding food and ingredient use beyond traditional East Asian culinary demand, alongside growth in farmed seaweed supply
Major Producing Countries
  • ChinaMajor global producer of cultured kelp (Laminaria/Saccharina) and other aquatic plants; large-scale rope/raft cultivation systems are well established.
  • South KoreaLarge producer of farmed seaweeds including kelp (Saccharina/Laminaria); significant domestic food use and downstream processing.
  • JapanHigh-value edible kelp (kombu) producer and consumer, with product differentiation by origin and quality for culinary uses.
Supply Calendar
  • China (temperate coastal farms):Apr, May, Jun, JulCommercial culture schedules commonly extend from autumn through mid-summer; harvest timing is constrained by rising seawater temperatures that can cause blade deterioration.
  • Republic of Korea (kelp farming regions):Mar, Apr, May, JunTemperate farming cycle tends to concentrate biomass production in cooler months with spring to early-summer harvesting and higher biofouling risk later in season.
  • Japan (northern production areas, e.g., Hokkaido kombu):Jul, Aug, SepSeasonal harvest and sun/mechanical drying windows support premium dried kelp product forms used for soup stock.
  • North Atlantic (United States/Canada/Northern Europe farms):Apr, May, JunMany farmed kelps are seeded in fall/winter, grown through winter, and harvested in spring (species- and site-dependent).

Specification

Major VarietiesSaccharina japonica (syn. Laminaria japonica) — kombu/dashima/hǎidài, Saccharina latissima — sugar kelp, Laminaria digitata, Alaria esculenta — winged kelp
Physical Attributes
  • Dried blades/strips/sheets with color ranging from olive-green to dark brown; surface may show a natural whitish bloom (mannitol/salts) depending on species and drying conditions
  • Umami-forward aroma and flavor development (commonly used for broth/stock); rehydration behavior and texture depend on thickness and cut
  • Low moisture content is essential to prevent softening, mold growth, and quality loss during storage and shipping
Compositional Metrics
  • Iodine levels can be high and highly variable by species and origin; buyers may specify iodine-related labeling or suitability for intended use
  • Heavy metals (notably inorganic arsenic in some seaweeds) and other contaminants are commonly monitored as part of food-safety programs
  • Salt/ash content and foreign matter (sand, shell fragments) are frequent specification dimensions for dried seaweed lots
Grades
  • Food-grade dried kelp is differentiated by species identity, origin, blade thickness/appearance, and cut type (whole blade vs cut/strips/powder)
  • Some supply chains distinguish food-grade vs non-food/industrial seaweed streams (often aligned with HS distinctions between 'fit' and 'not fit' for human consumption)
Packaging
  • Moisture-barrier inner bags (often vacuum-sealed or nitrogen-flushed) packed in cartons; desiccants used where appropriate
  • Bulk bales/cartons for industrial users (broth/seasoning manufacturers) with clear lot coding for traceability
ProcessingPrimary transformation is dehydration (sun or mechanical drying), sometimes followed by sorting, trimming, cutting, and milling into flakes/powder for ingredient use

Supply Chain

Value Chain
  • Seeding/spore collection or wild harvest -> grow-out on ropes/rafts or coastal harvest -> washing/cleaning -> drying (sun/mechanical) -> sorting/grading -> cutting/packing -> dry storage -> export/import distribution -> retail/foodservice/ingredient processing
Demand Drivers
  • Traditional culinary demand for soup stock and rehydrated dishes in East Asia (kombu/dashima-based applications)
  • Rising use as a natural umami ingredient (powders, flakes) in broths, seasonings, and plant-forward product formulations
  • Interest in seaweed as a low-input marine crop in some coastal economies, supporting local farmed supply development
Temperature
  • Dried kelp is typically shipped and stored at ambient temperature, but requires low-humidity conditions to prevent moisture uptake and microbial spoilage
  • Avoid heat and sunlight exposure that can accelerate oxidation, color change, and flavor deterioration in long storage
Atmosphere Control
  • Vacuum packaging or inert-gas flush can help reduce oxidative quality loss; desiccants are used to maintain dryness during long transit
  • Controlled-atmosphere logistics are generally less critical than moisture control for dried kelp
Shelf Life
  • Shelf life is generally long when kept dry and protected from oxygen/light, but shortens rapidly with moisture uptake, repeated opening, or poor packaging integrity
  • Post-rehydration or in ready-to-eat preparations, shelf life becomes much shorter and cold-chain requirements may apply (product-dependent)

Risks

Climate HighMarine heatwaves and rising seawater temperatures can sharply reduce kelp growth and quality, force earlier harvests, and increase crop loss risk in concentrated producing regions. Kelp species used for dried kelp are temperature-sensitive, so abnormal warming can disrupt supply timing and raise price volatility.Diversify sourcing across regions/hemispheres, monitor sea-surface temperature and farm exposure, adopt adaptive farm calendars and selective breeding/strain choice, and maintain qualified alternative species/origin specifications.
Food Safety MediumSeaweeds can accumulate iodine and certain contaminants (including heavy metals such as inorganic arsenic), creating compliance and consumer safety risks that may trigger import detentions, recalls, or reputational damage if not managed.Implement lot-based testing plans (iodine, heavy metals, microbiology), specify allowable species/origin combinations, and align labeling and usage guidance with destination-market requirements.
Regulatory Compliance MediumDifferences in national standards for contaminants, labeling (including iodine-related claims), and seaweed classification (food vs non-food) can create market access friction and shipment delays, especially for blended or milled kelp products.Map regulatory requirements by destination, use Codex-aligned food safety systems where applicable, keep strong traceability documentation (species/origin/lot), and pre-clear product specs with buyers/importers.
Logistics LowWhile dried kelp is less temperature-sensitive than fresh seaweed, it is highly sensitive to moisture ingress; poor packaging, container condensation, or humid warehousing can cause mold, softening, and quality downgrades.Use moisture-barrier packaging, desiccants where appropriate, humidity-aware container loading, and routine in-transit/arrival checks for water activity or moisture indicators.
Sustainability
  • Ocean warming and marine heatwaves affecting kelp growth, survival, and season length in major producing regions and natural kelp habitats
  • Biofouling, epiphytes, and ecosystem interactions at farm sites that can increase losses and quality downgrades late in the season
  • Marine debris and gear loss risks from longline/raft systems during storms; end-of-life management for ropes and plastics
Labor & Social
  • Worker safety risks in coastal aquaculture and harvesting (small vessels, cold-water operations, storms)
  • Traceability and product integrity (species identification, origin claims, and food-grade handling) across multi-step drying and trading chains

FAQ

Where is most dried kelp produced globally?Most edible kelp used for dried kelp products is produced in East Asia—especially China, the Republic of Korea, and Japan—where kelp aquaculture and processing (drying, sorting, cutting) are well established. Smaller volumes are also farmed in parts of North America and Northern Europe.
What are the main food-safety concerns buyers screen for in dried kelp?Two recurring concerns are very high iodine levels (which can vary widely by kelp species and origin) and chemical contaminants such as heavy metals, including inorganic arsenic in some seaweeds. Importers commonly require lot-based testing and clear species/origin traceability to manage compliance risk.
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Raw materials: Fresh Kelp
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