FAO SOFIA 2024: Global Algae and Seaweed Production
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recently released its 2024 State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) report, highlighting a transformative era for aquatic food systems. For the first time in history, aquaculture has surpassed capture fisheries as the primary source of aquatic animal production. Within this growth, the "hidden giant" of the industry—algae and seaweed—continues to reach new record highs.
Global Algae Production Statistics
According to the FAO SOFIA 2024 report, global algae production (including seaweed and microalgae) reached an all-time high of 37.8 million tonnes in 2022. This sector is overwhelmingly dominated by aquaculture, which accounts for 36.5 million tonnes (97% of total output). The total first-sale value of farmed algae is estimated at approximately USD 17 billion, underscoring its massive economic importance to coastal communities.
Global Production by Country and Economic Value
The table below illustrates the top producers in the global algae market based on 2022 data. Production is heavily concentrated in Asia, with specific species driving the economic value for each region.
| Country | Flag | Primary Species | Production (Tonnes) | Farm-gate Value (Est.) |
| China | 🇨🇳 | Japanese Kelp, Wakame, Nori | ~22.3M | USD 10.5 Billion |
| Indonesia | 🇮🇩 | Eucheuma spp., Kappaphycus | ~9.7M | USD 2.4 Billion |
| South Korea | 🇰🇷 | Laver (Gim), Undaria | ~1.9M | USD 1.1 Billion |
| Philippines | 🇵🇠| Kappaphycus (Cottonii) | ~1.3M | USD 650 Million |
| North Korea | 🇰🇵 | Japanese Kelp | ~600K | USD 210 Million |
| Chile | 🇨🇱 | Gracilaria, Brown Kelp | ~430K | USD 180 Million |
| Vietnam | 🇻🇳 | Kappaphycus, Gracilaria | ~150K | USD 95 Million |
Key Insights from SOFIA 2024
The report emphasizes the "Blue Transformation" roadmap, focusing on three key pillars for the seaweed sector:
Geographic Concentration: Approximately 97% of global algae production is centralized in Asia. The FAO is actively promoting expansion into Africa (e.g., Tanzania) and Latin America to diversify the supply chain.
Industrial vs. Food Use: While China and Korea focus on seaweed for human consumption (high value per tonne), Indonesia and the Philippines lead in industrial seaweeds used to produce carrageenan and agar.
Climate & Sustainability: Algae are highlighted for their ability to provide "ecosystem services," such as carbon sequestration and reducing the environmental footprint of nearby finfish farms through nutrient absorption.
FAO SOFIA 2024: China’s Algae and Seaweed Production
China remains the undisputed global leader in the algae industry, a position reaffirmed by the FAO’s 2024 State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) report. As the world’s largest producer, China’s industrial scale and advanced cultivation techniques serve as the primary engine for the global "Blue Transformation."
China’s Production Profile
China accounts for approximately 59% of global algae production, yielding an estimated 22.3 million tonnes in 2022. This production is almost entirely driven by marine aquaculture rather than wild harvesting. With a farm-gate value exceeding USD 10.5 billion, China’s seaweed sector is not only a food security asset but a massive economic driver for its coastal provinces.
Strategic Significance of Chinese Production
China's approach to seaweed is unique in its integration of food science, industrial application, and environmental policy.
1. Major Species and Market Use
Unlike many Western nations that view seaweed primarily as a health supplement, China treats it as a staple food and industrial raw material:
Japanese Kelp (Saccharina japonica): The "king" of Chinese seaweed, used heavily for direct human consumption, soup stocks, and iodine extraction.
Laver (Pyropia/Porphyra): Known locally as Zicai (similar to Japanese Nori), it is the high-value leader used for dried snack sheets.
Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida): Primarily cultivated for export and domestic salads, particularly in northern provinces.
2. Environmental "Blue Carbon" Leadership
The FAO highlights China’s use of seaweed for bioremediation. By farming seaweed alongside finfish and shellfish (Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture or IMTA), China uses the algae to absorb excess nitrogen and phosphorus, cleaning the ocean while sequestering significant amounts of carbon.
3. Production Efficiency
China’s growth is characterized by technological intensification. While the available area for coastal farming is physically limited, China has increased its output through:
Seed Technology: Developing heat-resistant and high-yield strains to combat rising ocean temperatures.
Deep-Sea Expansion: Moving farms further offshore to access cleaner, nutrient-rich waters.
Mechanization: Utilizing specialized vessels for seeding and harvesting to reduce labor costs.
China’s Global Market Position (2024 Data)
| Metric | China Statistics | Flag | Global Context |
| Total Production | 22.3 Million Tonnes | 🇨🇳 | ~59% of world total |
| Economic Value | USD 10.5 Billion | 🇨🇳 | #1 highest value globally |
| Primary Species | Kelp, Nori, Wakame | 🇨🇳 | Focus on human consumption |
| Trade Status | Largest Exporter | 🇨🇳 | Also the #1 importer of raw biomass |
Strategic Insight: While China is the top producer, it is also the world's largest importer of raw seaweed (accounting for 43% of global imports). It imports raw biomass from countries like Indonesia to feed its massive domestic processing industry, converting raw plants into high-value hydrocolloids and chemicals.
FAO SOFIA 2024: Indonesia’s Algae and Seaweed Industry
Indonesia has solidified its position as the world’s second-largest producer of algae, as highlighted in the FAO’s 2024 State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) report. Within the framework of "Blue Transformation," Indonesia stands out as the global leader in tropical seaweed species, providing the critical raw materials for the world's hydrocolloid industry.
Indonesia’s Production Profile
Indonesia contributes approximately 25–28% of global algae production, reaching roughly 9.7 million tonnes (wet weight) in 2022. Unlike China, which focuses heavily on food-grade kelp, Indonesia's production is almost entirely driven by tropical red seaweeds cultivated by small-holder farmers. With an estimated farm-gate value of USD 2.4 billion, seaweed is a vital socioeconomic lifeline for coastal communities across the archipelago.
Strategic Significance of Indonesian Production
Indonesia’s seaweed sector is the backbone of the global supply chain for carrageenan and agar, serving industries ranging from food processing to pharmaceuticals.
1. Major Species and Market Use
The Indonesian landscape is dominated by two primary groups of red algae:
Eucheumatoids (Kappaphycus alvarezii & Eucheuma denticulatum): Commercially known as "Cottonii" and "Spinosum," these species account for the majority of production. They are the primary source of carrageenan, a gelling agent used in everything from vegan meat alternatives to toothpaste.
Gracilaria spp.: Cultivated primarily in brackish water ponds (tambaks), this species is used to produce agar-agar, essential for food stabilizers and laboratory culture media.
2. Socioeconomic Impact
The FAO highlights Indonesia as a prime example of aquaculture’s ability to reduce poverty.
Small-scale focus: Production is decentralized, managed by thousands of coastal households rather than large industrial conglomerates.
Inclusivity: The sector provides significant employment for women and youth, particularly in the post-harvest drying and sorting stages.
Low Barrier to Entry: Seaweed farming requires minimal capital investment and no freshwater or fertilizers, making it an ideal "Blue Economy" entry point for rural regions.
3. Expansion and Government Targets
Under the "Blue Transformation" roadmap, the Indonesian government has set ambitious targets to reach 12.3 million tonnes of seaweed production. Key strategies include:
Seaweed Villages: Establishing dedicated clusters to streamline logistics and quality control.
Downstream Processing: Shifting from exporting raw dried seaweed to high-value processed carrageenan and bio-packaging to retain more economic value domestically.
Indonesia’s Global Market Position (2024 Data)
| Metric | Indonesia Statistics | Flag | Global Context |
| Total Production | ~9.7 Million Tonnes | 🇮🇩 | #2 Producer globally |
| Economic Value | USD 2.4 Billion | 🇮🇩 | Dominant in tropical species |
| Primary Species | Cottonii, Spinosum, Gracilaria | 🇮🇩 | World leader in carrageenan |
| Market Role | Global Supplier of Raw Biomass | 🇮🇩 | Supplies 40%+ of global red seaweed |
Strategic Insight: While Indonesia is a production powerhouse, a significant portion of its harvest is exported as raw material to China and Europe. The FAO 2024 report emphasizes that Indonesia's next phase of growth depends on technological upgrades in local processing to transform raw plants into refined industrial products.
FAO SOFIA 2024: South Korea’s Algae and Seaweed Industry
South Korea stands as a global leader in high-value seaweed production, a position highlighted in the FAO’s 2024 State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) report. While China and Indonesia lead in sheer tonnage, South Korea excels in premium culinary products, particularly "Gim" (Nori), making it the world’s most influential player in the seaweed snack and edible sheet market.
South Korea’s Production Profile
South Korea accounts for approximately 5% of global algae production, yielding roughly 1.8–1.9 million tonnes in 2022. Despite its smaller volume compared to China, its seaweed sector carries a high economic weight, with a farm-gate value estimated at USD 1.1 billion. The nation is the primary exporter of processed seaweed products globally, with its dried seaweed exports reaching a historic record of USD 1 billion in 2024.
Strategic Significance of South Korean Production
South Korea's seaweed industry is defined by high-tech processing, strict quality standards, and a deep-rooted cultural integration of seaweed as a staple food.
1. Major Species and Market Use
South Korean production is highly specialized for direct human consumption, focusing on flavor and texture:
Laver/Gim (Pyropia/Porphyra): The flagship product. Korea supplies nearly 70% of the global market for dried seaweed sheets (Nori). It is the highest-value segment of their industry.
Undaria/Miyeok (Undaria pinnatifida): Commonly known as Wakame, used primarily in soups (like the traditional seaweed birthday soup) and side dishes.
Kelp/Dasima (Saccharina japonica): Used largely for broth bases and increasingly in functional foods and snacks.
2. Export Powerhouse and "K-Food" Trend
The FAO 2024 report acknowledges the "Blue Transformation" through value-added chains. South Korea has successfully transformed seaweed from a regional ingredient into a global "superfood" snack:
Global Reach: South Korean seaweed is now exported to over 120 countries, with the US, Japan, and Thailand being the top buyers.
Diversification: Beyond food, Korea is leading research into seaweed-based bioplastics, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, leveraging its advanced R&D infrastructure.
3. Sustainability and Technological Leadership
Faced with rising sea temperatures, South Korea is at the forefront of sustainable aquaculture innovation:
Smart Farming: Using AI and IoT sensors to monitor water quality and optimize growth cycles.
Climate Resilience: Developing new, heat-tolerant strains of Pyropia to ensure stable yields as the climate changes.
Eco-Certification: Korea is a leader in adopting ASC-MSC seaweed certifications, ensuring their products meet international environmental standards.
South Korea’s Global Market Position (2024 Data)
| Metric | South Korea Statistics | Flag | Global Context |
| Total Production | ~1.8 Million Tonnes | 🇰🇷 | #3 Producer globally |
| Export Value | USD 1 Billion (2024 Est.) | 🇰🇷 | #1 Global exporter of edible seaweed |
| Primary Species | Gim (Nori), Miyeok, Dasima | 🇰🇷 | Leader in premium food-grade algae |
| Market Role | Culinary & Value-Added Leader | 🇰🇷 | Dominates 70% of global Nori trade |
Strategic Insight: South Korea's success lies in downstream processing. While other nations export raw biomass, Korea exports finished, branded products. The government is currently pushing for "Gim" to be officially recognized as a global standard by the Codex Alimentarius Commission to further reduce trade barriers.
FAO SOFIA 2024: South Korea’s Algae and Seaweed Industry
South Korea stands as a global leader in high-value seaweed production, a position highlighted in the FAO’s 2024 State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) report. While China and Indonesia lead in sheer tonnage, South Korea excels in premium culinary products, particularly "Gim" (Nori), making it the world’s most influential player in the seaweed snack and edible sheet market.
South Korea’s Production Profile
South Korea accounts for approximately 5% of global algae production, yielding roughly 1.8–1.9 million tonnes in 2022. Despite its smaller volume compared to China, its seaweed sector carries a high economic weight, with a farm-gate value estimated at USD 1.1 billion. The nation is the primary exporter of processed seaweed products globally, with its dried seaweed exports reaching a historic record of USD 1 billion in 2024.
Strategic Significance of South Korean Production
South Korea's seaweed industry is defined by high-tech processing, strict quality standards, and a deep-rooted cultural integration of seaweed as a staple food.
1. Major Species and Market Use
South Korean production is highly specialized for direct human consumption, focusing on flavor and texture:
Laver/Gim (Pyropia/Porphyra): The flagship product. Korea supplies nearly 70% of the global market for dried seaweed sheets (Nori). It is the highest-value segment of their industry.
Undaria/Miyeok (Undaria pinnatifida): Commonly known as Wakame, used primarily in soups (like the traditional seaweed birthday soup) and side dishes.
Kelp/Dasima (Saccharina japonica): Used largely for broth bases and increasingly in functional foods and snacks.
2. Export Powerhouse and "K-Food" Trend
The FAO 2024 report acknowledges the "Blue Transformation" through value-added chains. South Korea has successfully transformed seaweed from a regional ingredient into a global "superfood" snack:
Global Reach: South Korean seaweed is now exported to over 120 countries, with the US, Japan, and Thailand being the top buyers.
Diversification: Beyond food, Korea is leading research into seaweed-based bioplastics, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, leveraging its advanced R&D infrastructure.
3. Sustainability and Technological Leadership
Faced with rising sea temperatures, South Korea is at the forefront of sustainable aquaculture innovation:
Smart Farming: Using AI and IoT sensors to monitor water quality and optimize growth cycles.
Climate Resilience: Developing new, heat-tolerant strains of Pyropia to ensure stable yields as the climate changes.
Eco-Certification: Korea is a leader in adopting ASC-MSC seaweed certifications, ensuring their products meet international environmental standards.
South Korea’s Global Market Position (2024 Data)
| Metric | South Korea Statistics | Flag | Global Context |
| Total Production | ~1.8 Million Tonnes | 🇰🇷 | #3 Producer globally |
| Export Value | USD 1 Billion (2024 Est.) | 🇰🇷 | #1 Global exporter of edible seaweed |
| Primary Species | Gim (Nori), Miyeok, Dasima | 🇰🇷 | Leader in premium food-grade algae |
| Market Role | Culinary & Value-Added Leader | 🇰🇷 | Dominates 70% of global Nori trade |
Strategic Insight: South Korea's success lies in downstream processing. While other nations export raw biomass, Korea exports finished, branded products. The government is currently pushing for "Gim" to be officially recognized as a global standard by the Codex Alimentarius Commission to further reduce trade barriers.
FAO SOFIA 2024: Philippines Algae and Seaweed Industry
The Philippines is a historic pioneer in the global seaweed industry and remains one of the top four producers worldwide. According to the FAO’s 2024 State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) report, the Philippines is a critical contributor to the "Blue Transformation," serving as the primary global source for high-quality carrageenan-producing seaweeds.
Philippines’ Production Profile
The Philippines accounts for approximately 3.5% to 4.2% of global algae production, yielding roughly 1.3 to 1.5 million tonnes in recent years. While it ranks behind China and Indonesia in volume, it holds a unique market position due to its specialized cultivars. The sector is a massive rural employer, supporting approximately 200,000 coastal families and generating an estimated farm-gate value of over USD 350 million, with processed carrageenan exports contributing significantly more to the national economy.
Strategic Significance of Philippine Production
The Philippine seaweed industry is primarily focused on red algae (Eucheumatoids), which are essential to the global food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.
1. Major Species and Market Use
The country is the "home" of commercial tropical seaweed farming, focusing on species that are industrial powerhouses:
Kappaphycus alvarezii (Cottonii): The most widely farmed species, primarily used to extract Kappa-carrageenan, a firm gelling agent used in dairy products and meat processing.
Eucheuma denticulatum (Spinosum): Produces Iota-carrageenan, which creates softer, more elastic gels used in toothpaste and cosmetics.
Diversification: Emerging production of Gracilaria (for agar) and Caulerpa lentillifera (Sea Grapes or "Lato") for high-end culinary markets.
2. The Seaweed Capital: Tawi-Tawi and BARMM
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), particularly the province of Tawi-Tawi, is the undisputed heart of the industry.
Concentration: Tawi-Tawi alone produces roughly 40% of the country’s total seaweed output.
Women in Farming: FAO’s 2026 initiatives highlight the Philippines as a model for gender inclusion, as women perform over 60% of the labor in seedling preparation and post-harvest drying.
3. Challenges and the 2022–2026 Roadmap
Despite its leadership, the Philippine industry faces significant hurdles that the government is addressing through the National Seaweed Industry Roadmap:
Climate Change: Warmer waters have increased the prevalence of "Ice-ice disease," which can cause entire harvests to "melt."
Revitalization: In 2024–2025, the government allocated over PHP 1 billion to build new nurseries and mechanical dryers to combat a 90% decline in output in regions like Central Visayas.
Innovation: Shifting from traditional "cuttings" to laboratory-grown tissue culture to create climate-resilient and faster-growing strains.
Philippines’ Global Market Position (2024 Data)
| Metric | Philippines Statistics | Flag | Global Context |
| Total Production | ~1.46 Million Tonnes | 🇵🇠| #4 Producer globally |
| Export Power | 94% of Seaweed Exports | 🇵🇠| Most exports are in Carrageenan form |
| Primary Species | Cottonii, Spinosum | 🇵🇠| Pioneer of tropical red seaweed farming |
| Main Export Markets | USA, China, Spain, Russia | 🇵🇠| Strategic global supplier |
Strategic Insight: The Philippines is moving away from being a mere exporter of "raw dried seaweed" (RDS). By focusing on value-addition, the country aims to become the "Preferred Global Supplier" of refined carrageenan, ensuring more of the industrial profit stays within local coastal communities.
FAO SOFIA 2024: North Korea’s Algae and Seaweed Industry
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) remains a significant, though often overlooked, contributor to global seaweed production. According to the FAO’s 2024 State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) report, North Korea ranks among the top global producers, utilizing its extensive coastline along the East and West Seas to support a large-scale aquaculture sector.
North Korea’s Production Profile
North Korea produces approximately 600,000 tonnes of algae annually, placing it among the world's top five producers by volume. Unlike the export-heavy models of its neighbors, North Korea’s production is almost entirely directed toward domestic food security and internal industrial use. With a farm-gate value estimated at roughly USD 210 million, the sector is a cornerstone of the national strategy to provide nutrient-dense aquatic foods to the population.
Strategic Significance of North Korean Production
In North Korea, seaweed is considered a "strategic crop" because it requires no arable land, freshwater, or fertilizers—resources that are often in short supply for traditional agriculture.
1. Dominant Species and Cultivation
The industry is characterized by a strong focus on cold-water species that thrive in the nutrient-rich currents of the Korean Peninsula:
Japanese Kelp (Saccharina japonica): Locally known as Tasima, this is the most widely cultivated species. It is used as a staple vegetable, a flavor enhancer for soups, and a raw material for extracting alginates.
Laver (Pyropia/Porphyra): Known as Kim, it is farmed in shallower coastal waters and is a critical source of protein and vitamins in the North Korean diet.
Sea Mustard (Undaria pinnatifida): Used extensively in traditional culinary dishes, particularly in stews and salads.
2. State-Led Aquaculture Development
The FAO 2024 report notes that North Korea’s aquaculture sector is highly centralized. The government has prioritized the "scientific-based" expansion of seaweed farms:
Offshore Expansion: Recent satellite data and reports indicate an increase in large-scale floating raft systems located further away from the coastline to maximize yield.
Year-Round Harvesting: Experimental farms are increasingly using multi-species cultivation to ensure that different types of algae can be harvested across different seasons.
3. Food Security and Nutrition
Given the country's unique economic situation, the FAO highlights seaweed as a vital tool for combating malnutrition. Seaweed provides essential minerals like iodine and calcium, which are often deficient in grain-based diets. The "Blue Transformation" in North Korea is essentially a push for aquatic self-sufficiency.
North Korea’s Global Market Position (2024 Data)
| Metric | North Korea Statistics | Flag | Global Context |
| Total Production | ~600,000 Tonnes | 🇰🇵 | #5 Producer globally |
| Economic Value | USD 210 Million (Est.) | 🇰🇵 | High domestic utility |
| Primary Species | Japanese Kelp, Laver | 🇰🇵 | Cold-water specialist |
| Market Focus | Internal Consumption | 🇰🇵 | Limited international trade |
Strategic Insight: While North Korea has a high volume of production, its "farm-gate value" is lower than that of South Korea or China. This is because the majority of the harvest is used for bulk food supplies and industrial biomass rather than high-end, processed snack exports that command premium global prices.
FAO SOFIA 2024: Global Leaders in Algae Value Addition
The FAO SOFIA 2024 report underscores a critical shift in the seaweed industry: the move from "volume-based" farming to "value-based" processing. While production is concentrated in Asia, the ability to transform raw biomass into high-value extracts, functional foods, and industrial polymers determines a country's economic standing in the global "Blue Economy."
The Value-Added Landscape
The global seaweed trade is bifurcated between countries that export raw materials and those that dominate high-value "downstream" sectors. Currently, carrageenan remains the most traded seaweed product, accounting for nearly 48% of the global seaweed trade value in 2023.
Leading Countries by Value-Added Strategy
1. China 🇨🇳: The Integrated Processor
China is the global leader in both volume and total value, driven by its massive domestic consumption and industrial refinery capacity.
Refinery Hub: China is the world's largest importer of raw seaweed (taking 43% of global imports), which it processes into alginates and biostimulants for re-export.
Diversified End-Uses: It leads in utilizing algae for human food, animal feed additives, and pharmaceutical-grade extracts.
2. South Korea 🇰🇷: The Brand & Export Leader
South Korea holds the highest export value per tonne for edible seaweed. Its strategy focuses on branding and global consumer trends.
Global Snack Dominance: South Korea accounts for roughly 70% of the world's dried seaweed (Nori/Gim) sheet trade.
K-Food Influence: By branding seaweed as a premium health snack, Korea reached a record USD 1 billion in seaweed exports in 2024.
3. Indonesia 🇮🇩: The Transformation Frontier
Historically a supplier of raw materials, Indonesia is aggressively moving toward domestic industrialization.
Semi-Refined Processing: Indonesia is shifting from exporting "Raw Dried Seaweed" (RDS) to Semi-Refined Carrageenan (SRC) to capture more local profit.
Target: The government aims to process 50% of its domestic harvest locally by 2030 to move away from raw commodity dependence.
4. The Philippines 🇵ðŸ‡: Hydrocolloid Specialist
The Philippines is a strategic player focused on specialized gelling agents.
Pharma & Cosmetic Grades: Home to major carrageenan refineries, the Philippines provides high-purity extracts for global pharmaceutical and food stabilizer industries.
Comparative Value-Added Analysis
| Country | Value Strategy | Key Product Focus | Market Position |
| China | Industrial Scale | Alginates & Food | World's #1 Value Holder |
| South Korea | Premium Branding | Seasoned Gim (Nori) | #1 Export Value per Tonne |
| Indonesia | Domestic Processing | Carrageenan (SRC) | #1 Volume Exporter |
| Philippines | Industrial Extraction | Refined Carrageenan | Key Industrial Supplier |
| Chile | High-Value Extraction | Agar-agar & Bio-actives | Top Non-Asian Value Leader |
Conclusion: The Path to 2030
The FAO SOFIA 2024 report makes it clear that the next decade of "Blue Transformation" belongs to the nations that can successfully "downstream" their production. While growing 37.8 million tonnes of algae is a massive feat, the real economic power lies in the extraction of high-value compounds.
As emerging markets for bioplastics, methane-reducing animal feed, and bio-packaging mature, the leading countries will be those that transition from being "seaweed farmers" to "biomass innovators." For countries like Indonesia and the Philippines, the goal is to stop exporting raw plants and start exporting the refined solutions the world needs for a sustainable future.
FAO SOFIA 2024: Seaweed & Algae Glossary and FAQ
The FAO SOFIA 2024 report introduces a wide range of technical and economic terms that define the modern "Blue Transformation." This section provides a clear breakdown of the essential terminology and addresses the most frequent questions about the global algae market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the "Blue Transformation" mentioned in the SOFIA report?
The Blue Transformation is an FAO roadmap designed to maximize the contribution of aquatic food systems to food security and nutrition. For algae, this means expanding sustainable farming, improving value chains, and integrating seaweed into global climate solutions like carbon sequestration and bioremediation.
2. Why is there such a large gap between "Farm-gate Value" and "Export Value"?
Farm-gate Value is the price paid directly to the farmer for raw, unprocessed seaweed. The Export Value (or Value-Added Value) is significantly higher because it accounts for industrial processing (cleaning, drying, extraction of carrageenan or agar), branding, and logistics.
3. Are all seaweeds used for food?
No. While species like Nori and Kelp are for direct human consumption, a massive portion of global production—particularly from Indonesia and the Philippines—is processed into hydrocolloids (gelling agents) used in toothpaste, cosmetics, and processed foods.
4. Which country leads in seaweed value?
China leads in total value due to its massive scale. However, South Korea is the leader in "Value-Added" exports, as it processes nearly its entire harvest into high-end branded snacks that sell for a premium globally.
Glossary of Key Terms
| Term | Definition | Application in Industry |
| Agar | A phycocolloid extracted from red seaweeds (Gracilaria). | Used as a vegetarian gelatin and laboratory culture medium. |
| Alginate | A gum extracted from brown seaweeds (Kelp). | Used as a thickener in textiles, pharmaceuticals, and food. |
| Blue Carbon | Carbon captured by ocean and coastal ecosystems. | Seaweed farms are recognized for their role in climate mitigation. |
| Carrageenan | A gelling agent extracted from red seaweeds (Eucheuma). | Essential for dairy stabilizers, meat products, and cosmetics. |
| Cottonii | Common trade name for Kappaphycus alvarezii. | The primary source of Kappa-carrageenan (firm gels). |
| Farm-gate Value | The unprocessed value of a product at the point of sale. | Used to measure the direct income of coastal farmers. |
| Hydrocolloids | Water-soluble gums extracted from seaweed. | The "industrial chemicals" (agar, alginate, carrageenan) of the sector. |
| IMTA | Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture. | Farming fish, shellfish, and seaweed together to recycle nutrients. |
| Nori / Gim | Edible red seaweed (Pyropia/Porphyra). | The world's most valuable seaweed per tonne (sushi sheets). |
| Phycocolloid | A colloidal substance derived from algae. | General term for agar, carrageenan, and alginate. |
| Spinosum | Common trade name for Eucheuma denticulatum. | Source of Iota-carrageenan (elastic/soft gels). |
| Thallus | The entire body of a multicellular alga. | Unlike land plants, it lacks true roots, stems, or leaves. |
Conclusion: The Path to Industrial Maturity
The FAO SOFIA 2024 report makes it clear that the algae sector is no longer a "niche" part of aquaculture—it is a USD 17 billion powerhouse. However, as illustrated in the glossary and FAQ, the industry’s future success depends on moving beyond simple biomass volume.
The transition from Raw Biomass to Value-Added Hydrocolloids and Premium Edibles is where the greatest economic potential lies. For nations like Indonesia and the Philippines, the "next step" in the Blue Transformation is domesticating the processing technology currently dominated by China and Korea. By mastering the terms and technologies of this field, coastal nations can ensure that the seaweed revolution provides long-term prosperity for their communities.