COMMERCIAL SEAWEED MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2025-2032)

Commercial Seaweed Market Size and Trends: 2025 to 2032

The Global Commercial Seaweed Market is estimated to be valued at USD 10.95 Bn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 13.20 Bn by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.7% from 2025 to 2032.

Key Takeaways

• Based on Type, the Green Seaweed segment is expected to lead the market with 48.7% share in 2025, due to health benefits and bioactive properties.
• Based on Form, the Leaf segment is expected to hold the market with 38.9% share in 2025, due to nutrient richness and digestibility.
• Based on End-use, the Human Consumption segment is projected to account for 39.3% share of the market in 2025, driven by health benefits, nutrient density, and global adoption of seaweeds like nori, wakame, and kombu.
• Based on Region, Asia Pacific is set to lead the commercial seaweed market with 39.3% share in 2025. While, Europe is anticipated to be the fastest growing region.

Market Overview

The demand for commercial seaweed is expected to grow significantly over the next years. Key factors such as increasing application of seaweeds in the food industry for texture and flavor enhancement, rising usage of seaweeds for agricultural applications such as soil conditioners and fertilizers, growing consumer preference for vegan diet and plant-based foods, surging adoption of alginate from seaweeds in industries like textile printing, paper manufacturing, etc., and rising consumption of carrageenan in dairy and personal care products are expected to drive the demand for commercial seaweeds. Moreover, the increasing consumption of seaweeds as dietary supplements owing to rising health awareness among consumers is further expected to propel the market growth during the forecast period.

Current Events and Its Impacts on the Commercial Seaweed Market

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Global Commercial Seaweed Production and Species Utilization

• Global Aquaculture Dominance: Seaweed farming accounts for about 97 % of total global seaweed production, with wild harvests making up only 3 %. Production has tripled since 2000 due to expanded aquaculture.
• Species Focus: Although more than 12,000 seaweed species exist, only around 1 % are used commercially, with Saccharina, Eucheumatoid, Gracilaria, Pyropia, and Undaria accounting for ~95 % of global production.
• Edible Seaweed Diversity: Approximately 700 species are documented as edible, including ~195 brown, ~345 red, and ~125 green species, supporting diverse food applications.

Segmental Insights

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Commercial Seaweed Market Insights, By Type - Versatility of Applications Driving Green Seaweed Segment Growth

In terms of Type, Green seaweed contributes the 48.7% share of the market owing to its versatility in applications across several industries. Green seaweeds such as Ulva and Monostroma are commonly used across Asia for human consumption and as ingredients in snacks and sushi rolls due to their mild flavor and nutritional profile. Rising health consciousness and demand for plant-based proteins have further supplemented the consumption of sea vegetables including green seaweeds. Their high content of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants have made green seaweeds popular as dietary supplements for boosting immunity.

Green seaweeds are also used extensively as an ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products due to bioactive compounds that impart anti-aging and moisturizing properties. Major players capitalize on these attributes by incorporating green seaweed extracts in products ranging from face masks to shampoos.

For instance, in October 2024, in Kerala, ICAR-CMFRI launched GreenRex™, a new nutraceutical made from seaweed that is good for the liver. The product is made from certain types of seaweed using extraction methods that are good for the environment. The announcement does not specify what kind of seaweed it comes from, but it does say that seaweed is the main ingredient

Commercial Seaweed Market Insights, By Form - Leaf Form Driving the Highest Consumption in Agriculture and Animal Feed

In terms of Form, the Leaf segment contributes the 38.9% share of the market owing to its widespread use particularly in the agriculture and animal feed applications. The leafy form of seaweeds such as kelps and wracks can be directly applied as organic fertilizers to enrich soil nutrients and stimulate plant growth. Agricultural applications of seaweed benefit from leaf form enabling even distribution across fields to maximize bio-stimulant effects. Meanwhile, seaweed leaf is the preferred format incorporated in cattle and poultry feed due to higher palatability and digestibility compared to powdered and flake forms. Cattle farmers prefer sieving and mixing leafy seaweeds into animal feed rations to boost fiber and mineral intake. Nutrient-dense leaves help improve meat and milk yield as well as stomach health of livestock. Manufacturers also prefer the leaf form for ensiling and preparing storage-stable seaweed feed additives. Its natural structure ensures balanced nutrient release crucial for gut microbiome modulation in poultry and swine.

Commercial Seaweed Market Insights, By Application - Health Benefits Driving Human Consumption

In terms of Application, human consumption contributes the 39.3% share of the market owing to proliferating health benefits research of seaweeds. Seaweeds such as nori, wakame, and kombu have seeped into Asian diets for centuries but their popularity is now growing globally. Mounting evidence links regular seaweed intake to reducing risk of chronic illnesses. For instance, compounds such as fucoxanthin in brown seaweeds assist weight management and hypertension treatment.

Meanwhile, components like alginates in kelp aid digestion and blood sugar regulation. Consumer perusal of nutrition labels reflecting seaweeds' mineral density especially calcium, iron, and iodine has stoked their addition in food products like soups and salads.

For instance, in August 2025, Seadling opened a factory in Malaysia to make high-quality functional seaweed ingredients. The company is increasing the production of fermented and ground seaweed products for pet food, and by 2027, it plans to offer them to people as well. The expansion comes after a successful capital raise that was meant to speed up the deployment of the product around the world.

Regional Insights

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Asia Pacific Commercial Seaweed Market Analysis & Trends

The Asia Pacific region has dominated the global commercial seaweed market for the past several decades. Countries like China, Indonesia, Philippines and Japan have been cultivating seaweed for commercial purposes at a large scale with 39.3% share. These countries not only have extensive coastlines conducive for seaweed farming but also have built significant expertise in manufacturing processed seaweed products. Particularly in China, seaweed farming is a major economic activity that generates employment for thousands of people living along the coastal regions. The Chinese seaweed industry is highly organized with major companies controlling domestic as well as international sales. Seaweed exports have been a major source of foreign exchange for China.

For instance, in November 2025, AMMACHI Labs started field tests in Uttara Kannada to help ocean farming and seaweed farming grow. The project looks at coastal areas, community readiness, and environmental factors to find ways to increase seaweed production. Structured training and capacity-building are meant to help the project achieve its goals of improving sustainable livelihoods, strengthening local economies, and supporting future commercial seaweed uses.

Europe Commercial Seaweed Market Analysis & Trends

The Europe region has emerged as the fastest growing market for commercial seaweed in recent years. Countries like Ireland, Norway and France have invested heavily in seaweed aquaculture to meet the increasing demand from both food and non-food industries. These nations promote seaweed farming as it provides an eco-friendly and sustainable source of income to the coastal communities. Seaweed is also gaining popularity as a healthy food ingredient among European consumers. Many Irish and Norwegian seaweed producers have achieved international product certifications that help them access the lucrative American market as well. The growing health-conscious demographic and stringent regulations around sustainable sourcing are fueling the commercial seaweed consumption in Europe.

For instance, in October 2025, Four new EU-supported projects have started to speed up the growth of algae and seaweed farming that is good for the environment in Europe. The projects focus on making growing systems better, increasing production on a commercial scale, creating new seaweed-based products, and making blue innovation hubs stronger. The projects' goals are to help the commercial seaweed industry grow while also protecting the environment and boosting the economy along the coast.

Commercial Seaweed Market Outlook Country-Wise

China Commercial Seaweed Market Trends

In 2025, China's commercial seaweed market is booming because it is used a lot in food, animal feed, cosmetics, and traditional medicine. China is a major player in the growth of the global seaweed market because of its high production and consumption. This is due to rapid urbanization, a growing health-conscious consumer base, government support for aquaculture, and advanced processing technologies.

For instance, in April 2025, Bayer released a biostimulant made from seaweed in China to help crops grow faster and produce more. The product uses seaweed extracts that are made in factories to make plants stronger and more productive. This launch shows how more and more farmers are using seaweed-based solutions.

Germany Commercial Seaweed Market Trends

The commercial seaweed market in Germany is growing in 2025 because more people want "sustainable, plant-based, and biodegradable products." Seaweed is widely used in food, cosmetics, and eco-friendly materials. This is because of strong regulations, new functional ingredients, and the country's focus on green technologies, which are all driving market growth.

For instance, in February 2025, Vyld released a seaweed-based tampon in Germany, adding seaweed that is harvested in a way that doesn't harm the environment to its feminine hygiene products. The new product uses the natural properties of seaweed to make tampons that are better for the environment and break down naturally

Market Report Scope

Commercial Seaweed Market Driver

Utilization in food and beverages

The utilization of seaweed in food and beverages is a major factor influencing the expansion of the commercial seaweed market. Seaweed is being widely used in diverse food and beverage products due to its various health benefits and functional properties. Seaweed contains vital micronutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibers. It has proven anti-inflammatory and cardio-protective effects. Seaweeds are also a sustainable and eco-friendly source of proteins, carbohydrates and antioxidants. Given these compelling benefits to health and wellness, food and beverage manufacturers are increasingly exploring different ways to incorporate seaweeds into their existing product lines as well as developing new seaweed-based food innovations. Snacks and salads are among the most popular food categories where seaweed finds widespread usage. Seaweeds add unique textures and flavors to snacks while also fortifying them nutritionally. Beverages infused with seaweed extracts are also gaining foothold.

Utilization in agriculture and animal feed

Commercial seaweed finds application as fertilizer, soil conditioner, and feed additive in agriculture and animal husbandry. Kelp meal obtained from seaweed biomass is a bio-stimulant that enhances plant growth and crop yields when added to soil. It improves the water retention and aeration of soil. Seaweed extracts act as natural biostimulants that stimulate the growth of roots which helps plants withstand drought and diseases. The rise of organic and sustainable farming practices has driven interest in seaweed based inputs. For the livestock industry, seaweeds act as prebiotics that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Their use in animal feed modulates immunity and oxidative stress. Seaweeds help improve feed conversion efficiency and productivity. The aqua-culture sector also utilizes seaweeds as natural fertilizers and food for shrimp, salmon, and other farmed fish. As commercial seaweed production increases to meet the rising demands from agriculture and animal husbandry, more investments are being made in seaweed cultivation and processing infrastructure.

Commercial Seaweed Market Opportunities

Rising popularity of plant-based, healthy diets

The rising popularity of plant-based, healthy diets presents significant opportunities for growth in the commercial seaweed market. With consumers becoming more health-conscious, seaweed use is steadily growing in food applications due to its high mineral and vitamin content. There is also a growing scope of seaweed utilization in non-food industries like hydrocolloids manufacturing, fertilizers, biofuel, and personal care products. This opens new avenues for commercial seaweed producers to cater to diverse industrial demand.

Analyst Opinion (Expert Opinion)

• The commercial seaweed market keeps growing as it can be used in many areas, including food, agriculture, personal care, and industry. As more and more people want natural ingredients and eco-friendly raw materials, seaweed has become an important resource for many industries. Red seaweed is the most important type of seaweed due to it is used to make hydrocolloids like carrageenan and agar, which are important in food processing and biotechnology. Brown and green seaweeds are also important because they are good for your health and can be used as biostimulants in farming.
• The food and drink industry is still a major driver, and seaweed is used as a functional ingredient and nutrient-rich additive. The use of organic fertilizers and plant biostimulants in farming is growing, which is in line with a global trend toward more sustainable farming methods. Marine-derived bioactive compounds are being used more and more in anti-aging and skin health products in the cosmetics and personal care industries.
• Asia Pacific is the region with the most production and consumption, thanks to well-established aquaculture infrastructure and the fact that seaweed is already a part of many people's diets. Plant-based food trends, nutraceuticals, and biostimulant use are driving more people in North America and Europe to use them. Technological advances in planting, harvesting, and processing have made operations more efficient and improved the quality of the products, making it possible for large-scale businesses to operate.
• Overall, the commercial seaweed market is growing quickly. This is given that there are more uses for it, it is popular in certain areas, it is becoming more environmentally friendly, and new ways to grow and process it are being developed. Its use in many different fields shows the value it is for global nutrition, agriculture, and industrial supply chains.

Recent Developments

• In September 2025, the UN Global Seaweed Initiative (UNGSI) was started to help the seaweed industry grow in a way that is good for the environment and for business. The goal of the initiative is to bring together governments, UN agencies, and industry stakeholders to promote research, set standards, and strengthen value chains. This will create more jobs, help the environment, and grow the global seaweed market.
• In April 2025, The Indian government addressed about the way seaweed can be used in many ways, including in food, cosmetics, fertilizers, and medicine. They talked a lot about the benefits that it is for your health and your wallet. Under PMMSY, India is encouraging the growth of seaweed and products that make it more valuable.

Market Segmentation

• Type Insights (Revenue, USD Bn & KT, 2025 - 2032)
• • Brown seaweed
  • Red seaweed
  • Green seaweed
• Form Insights (Revenue, USD Bn & KT, 2025 - 2032)
  • Leaf
  • Powdered
  • Flakes
• Application Insights (Revenue, USD Bn & KT, 2025 - 2032)
  • Animal Feed
  • Agriculture
  • Human Consumption
  • Others
• Regional Insights (Revenue, USD Bn & KT, 2025 - 2032)
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
    • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • Spain
    • France
    • Italy
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa
    • GCC Countries
    • Israel
    • Rest of Middle East & Africa
• Key Players Insights
  • E.I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
  • Travena Organic Solutions Ltd. 
  • Cargill Inc.
  • Roullier Group
  • Leili Group
  • Biostadt India Limited
  • Compo GmbH & Co. KG
  • Acadian Seaplants Limited
  • Gelymar SA
  • BrandT Consolidated, Inc.
  • Seasol International Pty. Ltd.
  • CP Kelco.
  • West Coast Marine Bio-Processing Corp.
  • Chase Organics GB Limited
  • Indigrow Ltd.
  • Acadian Seaplants
  • Algaia SA
  • The Seaweed Company

Sources

Primary Research Interviews

• Seaweed Farmers & Cultivators
• Seaweed Processing Companies
• Food & Beverage Manufacturers using Seaweed
• Nutraceutical & Pharmaceutical Seaweed Product Developers
• Agricultural & Marine Biotech Consultants
• Others

Databases

• Bloomberg Terminal
• Thomson Reuters Eikon
• IHS Markit
• Euromonitor International
• S&P Global Market Intelligence
• Others

Magazines

• Seaweed Industry Magazine
• World Aquaculture Magazine
• Food Navigator
• Chemical Engineering Magazine
• Others

Journals

• Journal of Applied Phycology
• Algal Research
• Marine Drugs
• Phycologia
• Others

Newspapers

• Financial Times
• The Wall Street Journal
• Reuters
• Bloomberg News
• Others

Associations

• International Seaweed Association (ISA)
• European Algae Biomass Association (EABA)
• Marine Bioproducts Alliance
• Algae Biomass Organization (ABO)
• Others

Public Domain Sources

• FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
• World Bank Open Data
• UN Comtrade Database
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
• European Commission – Maritime Affairs & Fisheries
• Others

Proprietary Elements

• CMI Data Analytics Tool
• Proprietary CMI Existing Repository of Information for the Last 8 Years