Parent Product
Dried Seaweed
Sub Product
Dried Hidaka Kombu, Dried Hokkaido Kombu, Dried Ma Kombu, Dried Naga Kombu, +2
HS Code
121221
Last Updated
2026-06-17
Key takeaways for search and sourcing teams
- Dried Kombu market coverage spans 125 countries.
- 107 exporter companies and 80 importer companies are indexed in the global supply chain intelligence network for this product.
- 68 supplier-linked transactions are summarized across the top 8 countries.
- 0 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 2026-06-17.
Global Supplier Transactions, Export Activity, and Price Benchmarks for Dried Kombu
Analyze 68 supplier-linked transactions across the top 8 countries, with monthly unit-price benchmarks to track export competitiveness and sourcing risk for Dried Kombu.
Dried Kombu Country YoY Change in Supplier Transactions and Export Momentum
Compare positive and negative YoY shifts in Dried Kombu to identify accelerating supplier markets and weakening export corridors.
Top YoY shifts for Dried Kombu: United States (+114.1%), Japan (+23.5%), Indonesia (-19.1%).
Dried Kombu Country-Level Supplier Transaction and Unit Price Summary
As of 2025-07, benchmark Dried Kombu country transaction counts with monthly unit price and volume to prioritize supplier and export markets.
In 2025-12, countries with visible Dried Kombu transaction unit prices: Japan (18.91 USD / kg), Peru (0.68 USD / kg).
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indonesia | -19.1% | 3 | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | 0.40 USD / kg (88,060 kg) | - (-) | - (-) | ||||||
| Tanzania | +6.4% | 4 | - (-) | - (-) | 1.07 USD / kg (22,800 kg) | - (-) | 1.20 USD / kg (15,750 kg) | - (-) | ||||||
| Japan | +23.5% | 7 | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | 18.36 USD / kg (112.5 kg) | 18.91 USD / kg (162.5 kg) | ||||||
| China | -7.7% | 3 | - (-) | - (-) | 3.14 USD / kg (5 kg) | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | ||||||
| Peru | +0.4% | 46 | 0.74 USD / kg (477,030 kg) | 0.72 USD / kg (465,200 kg) | 0.73 USD / kg (259,560 kg) | 0.70 USD / kg (365,840 kg) | 0.71 USD / kg (396,128 kg) | 0.68 USD / kg (198,642 kg) | ||||||
| United States | +114.1% | 1 | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | 6.02 USD / kg (50 kg) | - (-) | - (-) | ||||||
| Chile | +17.6% | 3 | - (-) | - (-) | 1.90 USD / kg (81,000 kg) | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | ||||||
| South Korea | +2.3% | 1 | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) |
Dried Kombu Global Supply Chain Coverage
187 companies
107 exporters and 80 importers are mapped for Dried Kombu.
Exporters and importers can use Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to identify counterparties for Dried Kombu, benchmark reach, and prioritize outreach by market.
Dried Kombu Export Supplier Intelligence, Trade Flows, and Price Signals
107 exporter companies are mapped in Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence for Dried Kombu. Exporters and importers can use company profiles and analytics to evaluate supplier coverage, trading activity, and route opportunities.
Dried Kombu Top Exporters and Supplier Profiles
Review leading exporter profiles while benchmarking against 107 total exporter companies in the Dried Kombu supply chain intelligence network. Exporters and importers can unlock company profiles and analytics to qualify partners faster.
(Australia)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-05-17
Employee Size: 11 - 50 Employees
Industries: Food ManufacturingFood PackagingFood Services And Drinking Places
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleFood ManufacturingRetail
(Sri Lanka)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-05-17
Industries: Crop ProductionFood Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleFarming / Production / Processing / PackingTrade
(Venezuela)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-05-17
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: Trade
Exporting Countries: South Korea
Supplying Products: Dried Seaweed, Dried Kombu, Dried Hokkaido Kombu
(Japan)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-02-05
Industries: Food Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleFood Manufacturing
Exporting Countries: South Korea
Supplying Products: Dried Seaweed, Dried Kombu
(Tanzania)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-03-30
Industries: Crop ProductionFood ManufacturingFood PackagingOthers
Value Chain Roles: Farming / Production / Processing / PackingFood ManufacturingLogistics
(Indonesia)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-05-17
Industries: Brokers And Trade AgenciesFishing AquacultureFood Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: Farming / Production / Processing / PackingTrade
Dried Kombu Global Exporter Coverage
107 companies
Exporter company count is a key signal for Dried Kombu supply depth and sourcing optionality.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics to narrow Dried Kombu opportunities by country, product, and value-chain role, then open company profiles to validate fit.
Top Exporting Countries for Dried Kombu (HS Code 121221) in 2024
For Dried Kombu in 2024, compare export volume and value across the top 10 supplier countries to map core supply structure.
| Rank | Country | Volume | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Korea | 29,680,840.401 kg | 476,561,517 USD |
| 2 | Japan | 1,012,482 kg | 20,948,043.474 USD |
| 3 | Philippines | 10,086,229.6 kg | 13,116,536 USD |
| 4 | Denmark | 1,968,016 kg | 12,941,950.934 USD |
| 5 | United Kingdom | 843,597 kg | 10,001,070.004 USD |
| 6 | United States | 751,221 kg | 8,488,686 USD |
| 7 | Netherlands | 630,546 kg | 7,203,234.385 USD |
| 8 | Canada | 488,211.731 kg | 6,874,847.001 USD |
| 9 | Germany | 315,731.626 kg | 4,854,406.008 USD |
| 10 | Spain | 533,619.855 kg | 3,583,019.798 USD |
Dried Kombu Export Trade Flow and Partner Country Summary
Track Dried Kombu exporter-to-importer flows by value, volume, and share to uncover high-potential export routes.
Dried Kombu Import Buyer Intelligence, Demand Signals, and Price Benchmarks
80 importer companies are mapped for Dried Kombu demand intelligence. Use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to prioritize buyers, distributors, and downstream demand partners by market.
Dried Kombu Top Buyers, Importers, and Demand Partners
Review leading buyer profiles and compare them against 80 total importer companies tracked for Dried Kombu. Exporters and importers can use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to evaluate buyer quality and demand concentration.
(Vietnam)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-05-17
Industries: Beverage ManufacturingBrokers And Trade AgenciesFood Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: -
(Vietnam)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-05-17
Employee Size: Over 1000 Employees
Industries: Food Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: Philippines
(France)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-05-17
Industries: Brokers And Trade Agencies
Value Chain Roles: -
(China)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-05-17
Industries: Fishing AquacultureFood Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: United States, Ukraine, Russia, Vietnam
(Poland)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-05-17
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: -
(Germany)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-05-17
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: -
Global Importer Coverage
80 companies
Importer company count highlights the current depth of demand-side visibility for Dried Kombu.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics and company profiles to identify active Dried Kombu buyers, compare partner density by country, and refine GTM priorities.
Top Import Demand Countries for Dried Kombu (HS Code 121221) in 2024
For Dried Kombu in 2024, compare import volume and value across the top 10 demand countries to identify priority markets.
| Rank | Country | Volume | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Japan | 39,673,078 kg | 299,390,429.78 USD |
| 2 | Thailand | 5,600,397.676 kg | 97,342,696.03 USD |
| 3 | United States | 8,169,673 kg | 78,019,924 USD |
| 4 | Australia | 1,968,447.19 kg | 29,903,268.247 USD |
| 5 | Brazil | 1,389,086 kg | 25,398,027 USD |
| 6 | South Korea | 10,278,104.135 kg | 24,898,456 USD |
| 7 | United Kingdom | 4,944,980 kg | 13,290,567.748 USD |
| 8 | Germany | 1,469,567.168 kg | 11,383,819.591 USD |
| 9 | Canada | 672,797.715 kg | 11,023,705.518 USD |
| 10 | Poland | 607,657.197 kg | 10,658,626 USD |
Dried Kombu Import Trade Flow and Origin Country Summary
Analyze Dried Kombu origin-to-destination trade flows by value, volume, and share to monitor demand-side sourcing channels.
Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDried
Industry PositionPrimary Aquatic Product
Raw Material
Commodity GroupEdible seaweed (brown kelp)
Scientific NameSaccharina japonica
PerishabilityLow (once dried and kept dry); sensitive to humidity-driven quality loss during storage and transit
Growing Conditions
- Temperate, cold-water coastal environments; cultivation and growth are constrained by high summer seawater temperatures
- Optimal sporophyte growth described in FAO kelp culture materials within low-to-moderate temperature ranges, with prolonged high temperatures causing biomass loss and potential mortality
- Commonly produced via rope/raft mariculture systems in nearshore waters
Main VarietiesSaccharina japonica (incl. cultivated Japanese kelp/kombu), Saccharina japonica var. ochotensis, Saccharina japonica var. religiosa
Consumption Forms
- Culinary broth/stock base (dashi-style) and rehydrated soup/simmering applications
- Cut, shredded, flaked, or powdered ingredient formats for seasoning and cooking
- Upstream raw material for certain industrial and food uses described in kelp processing chains (e.g., alginate-related value chains)
Grading Factors
- Blade size (length/width) and thickness
- Color and surface cleanliness (sand/epiphytes/visible defects)
- Dryness/moisture condition and absence of mold or off-odors
- Foreign matter control and consistent cut/trim specifications for buyer requirements
Planting to HarvestTypically long-cycle cultivation in some systems (e.g., FAO seaweed workshop report notes more than 20 months from seeding to harvest for biennial methods in parts of Hokkaido), with shorter cycles possible under alternative cultivation methods and management.
Market
Dried kombu is a globally traded edible kelp product, most commonly associated with Saccharina japonica (syn. Laminaria japonica), used as a culinary stock/umami ingredient and as an input for certain extracts. Production is geographically concentrated in temperate Northwest Pacific coastal waters, with large-scale cultivation and harvesting documented in northern China and Japan (notably Hokkaido), alongside production in the Republic of Korea and parts of the Russian Far East. International trade statistics for kombu are typically embedded within broader seaweed/algae tariff lines (e.g., HS 121221/1212), which aggregate multiple edible seaweed types, complicating product-specific trade attribution. Market dynamics are highly sensitive to ocean temperature conditions and marine heatwaves that can disrupt kelp ecosystems and farms, and to food-safety controls related to iodine and heavy-metal content in seaweeds.
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
Major Producing Countries
- ChinaLarge-scale Laminaria/Saccharina cultivation documented along northern and eastern coastal provinces; northern China harvest window described as late June to late July for kelp culture.
- JapanKombu cultivation systems in Hokkaido include biennial methods with harvest noted in July and August.
- South KoreaSaccharina japonica (dasima/kombu-type kelp) is cultivated in coastal farming areas, including documented cultivation research in Gijang and Wando.
- RussiaNative distribution of Laminaria japonica/Saccharina japonica in the Northwest Pacific includes the Kuril Islands and Kamchatka coastal regions referenced in FAO kelp distribution descriptions.
Supply Calendar
- Northern China (e.g., Shandong/Liaoning kelp farming areas):Jun, JulFAO kelp-culture manual describes harvest in northern China between end of June and end of July to avoid mid-summer blade deterioration.
- Japan (Hokkaido kombu cultivation areas):Jul, AugFAO seaweed workshop report notes harvest in July and August for established cultivation methods in Hokkaido.
Specification
Major VarietiesSaccharina japonica (Japanese kelp; kombu/haidai/dasima), Saccharina japonica var. ochotensis (taxonomic variety referenced in kelp systematics), Saccharina japonica var. religiosa (taxonomic variety referenced in kelp systematics)
Physical Attributes
- Ribbon-like blade morphology with a thicker central band and thinner lateral edges described in FAO kelp culture materials
- Leathery blade texture at mature stages; visual quality affected by frond deterioration if harvest is delayed into warmer periods
Compositional Metrics
- Iodine content in seaweeds can be high and is a key buyer/regulatory concern for edible kelp products
- Heavy metals (e.g., arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury) are monitored in seaweeds in food-safety programs, with exposure assessments available for seaweed consumption
Packaging
- Bulk dried blades packed in food-grade cartons or bales for industrial/wholesale distribution
- Retail formats commonly use sealed moisture-barrier pouches to protect low-moisture quality
ProcessingRehydration and simmering/steeping for broth applications (stock base); rehydration performance depends on drying and storage conditionsCan be cut, shredded, or milled into flakes/powder for seasoning and ingredient applications
Supply Chain
Value Chain
- Sea cultivation (rope/raft culture) or managed harvest -> landing -> washing/rinsing -> drying (sun or controlled drying) -> trimming/sorting -> packaging -> ambient shipping with humidity control -> wholesale/retail or further processing (cuts/powders/extracts)
Demand Drivers
- Culinary demand for broth/stock (dashi-style) ingredients and umami-forward cooking applications
- Ingredient demand for seaweed-derived industrial and food uses (e.g., alginate-related value chains described in kelp culture references)
Temperature
- Dried kombu is typically shelf-stable at ambient temperatures, but quality preservation depends on keeping product dry and protected from heat and direct sunlight during storage and distribution
Shelf Life
- Low-moisture stability is the primary shelf-life determinant; humidity ingress can cause softening, off-odors, and mold risk, reducing usability and marketability
Risks
Climate HighMarine heatwaves and ocean warming can expose kelp ecosystems and farms to conditions beyond tolerance limits, contributing to mass mortality events and abrupt, persistent ecosystem shifts; these dynamics can disrupt supply reliability in the temperate coastal zones where kombu-type kelps are produced.Diversify sourcing across sub-regions and production systems, monitor sea-surface temperature and marine heatwave alerts, and use adaptive farm management (timing, depth, site selection) alongside inventory buffering.
Food Safety HighEdible seaweeds can materially contribute to iodine intake and can contain heavy metals (including arsenic species and other metals), creating compliance and consumer-health risks that may trigger testing requirements, import detentions, or product reformulation/labeling changes.Implement routine contaminant and iodine monitoring with accredited laboratories, maintain supplier traceability by harvest area, and align product specifications to destination-market limits and guidance.
Regulatory Compliance MediumKombu is often traded under broader seaweed HS headings that aggregate multiple products, while destination-market rules may vary on labeling (including iodine-related considerations), contaminant limits, and documentation for edible seaweeds, increasing the risk of misclassification or non-compliance.Standardize HS classification and product descriptions across contracts, maintain complete certificates of analysis and origin/harvest-area documentation, and track destination-market updates for seaweed-specific requirements.
Quality Degradation MediumDried kombu quality can degrade in humid or poorly sealed logistics, leading to moisture uptake, texture loss, off-odors, and mold risk; this is a common cause of commercial disputes and downgrades.Use moisture-barrier packaging, desiccants where appropriate, humidity-controlled storage, and strict receiving inspections (moisture/odor/visible defects).
Sustainability
- Ocean warming and marine heatwaves affecting kelp forests and coastal ecosystems, with potential for mass mortality events and persistent community shifts
- Biosecurity and ecosystem interaction risks in kelp aquaculture (e.g., disease/epiphytes and ecosystem changes) requiring site management and monitoring
- Marine debris and coastal-use conflicts associated with aquaculture gear and nearshore farming footprints
Labor & Social
- Worker safety risks in nearshore harvesting and aquaculture operations (small vessels, cold-water conditions, seasonal weather exposure)
- Seasonal labor dependence for harvest and drying/processing activities in coastal communities
FAQ
What exactly is dried kombu in trade terms?Dried kombu is an edible kelp product most commonly linked to Saccharina japonica (historically referred to as Laminaria japonica). It is typically traded as dried blades or cut pieces for culinary broth/stock use and related ingredient applications, and it often appears in trade data under broader seaweed HS categories rather than a kombu-only code.
When are the main harvest windows for kombu-type kelp in key producing regions?In northern China, FAO kelp-culture materials describe harvest taking place between the end of June and the end of July to avoid deterioration as seawater warms. For Hokkaido (Japan), FAO seaweed workshop materials describe cultivation systems with harvest in July and August.
Why do buyers and regulators focus on iodine and heavy metals for kombu and other seaweeds?Seaweeds can contribute significantly to iodine intake, and they can contain heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury depending on species and growing conditions. Because of these risks, seafood/seaweed supply chains commonly require contaminant monitoring and may face destination-market compliance checks based on food-safety standards and guidance.
Dried Kombu Country Coverage for Suppliers, Export Flows, and Prices
Explore country-level Dried Kombu market pages for supplier coverage, trade flows, and price benchmarks.
All country market pages: China, South Korea, Germany, Indonesia, Netherlands, Japan, Poland, France, United Kingdom, Spain, Denmark, Kazakhstan, Canada, Turkiye, United States, Chile, Thailand, Australia, Cambodia, Tanzania, Vietnam, Norway, Ecuador, Morocco, Brazil, Lithuania, Italy, Portugal, New Zealand, Austria, Malaysia, South Africa, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Mexico, Iceland, Ukraine, Czechia, Sweden, Philippines, Belgium, Latvia, Switzerland, Madagascar, Israel, Panama, United Arab Emirates, Bulgaria, Colombia, Finland, Armenia, Romania, Singapore, Peru, Estonia, Bolivia, Sri Lanka, Slovakia, Slovenia, Macao, Albania, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Barbados, Burkina Faso, Bahrain, Benin, Bermuda, Brunei, Bahamas, Belize, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Croatia, Hungary, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Laos, Liberia, Luxembourg, Moldova, Montenegro, Macedonia, Myanmar [Burma], Mongolia, Malta, Mauritius, Maldives, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Nicaragua, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Paraguay, Qatar, Serbia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, El Salvador, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Zambia
Related Dried Kombu Product Categories
Browse parent, sub, derived, and raw-material product market pages related to Dried Kombu.
Parent product: Dried Seaweed
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