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HSChapter 13
U.S. imports of agar-agar (HS 130231) totaled $3.1M in April 2026, traded with 16 countries.
Importers of Agar-Agar paid $338K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 11% on $3.0M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Agar-Agar imports of $3.1M in April 2026 ran 36% above the year-to-date monthly average of $2.3M.
Last updated: April 2026 dataExtracted from red algae (primarily Gelidium and Gracilaria species), agar-agar is a widely traded hydrocolloid used in food manufacturing, microbiological culture media, and pharmaceutical applications. Spain leads US supply, reflecting its established seaweed harvesting and processing industry along the Atlantic coast, with Morocco and China also prominent sources. All US imports enter under tariff line 1302310000. Because agar-agar used in food or as a pharmaceutical excipient is subject to FDA review, importers should verify that shipments meet applicable purity and grade specifications before entry.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Both grades classify under 1302310000 — the HTS does not subdivide agar by end-use grade. However, bacteriological-grade agar destined for laboratory use may face different FDA review pathways than food-grade material. Importers should clearly document the intended use and applicable quality standard (e.g., USP, NF, or food-grade specification) in commercial invoices and entry documentation.
Imports of agar-agar from China may be subject to Section 301 tariffs. Importers sourcing from China should confirm the current Section 301 status for HTS 1302310000 with a licensed customs broker, as applicability and rates can change. Spain and Morocco, the leading alternative suppliers, are not currently subject to Section 301 measures.
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Monthly import values over time
| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOROCCO | $795K | -- | -$795K |
| SPAIN | $647K | $17K | -$630K |
| KOREA, SOUTH | $584K | $10K | -$574K |
| CHINA | $455K | -- | -$455K |
| ITALY | $242K | -- | -$242K |
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1302310000 | AGAR-AGAR | $3.1M | 11.12% | $338K |
AGAR-AGAR
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1302310000 | AGAR-AGAR | $367K |
AGAR-AGAR
11.2K kg
VEGETABLE SAPS AND EXTRACTS, NESOI
HS 130219
MUCILAGES/THICKNRS FRM LOCUST BEAN/SEED, GUAR SEED
HS 130232
PECTIC SUBSTANCES, PECTINATES AND PECTATES
HS 130220
MUCILAGE & THICKNER W/N MODIFIED,FRM VEG PRD NESOI
HS 130239
GUM ARABIC
HS 130120
NATURAL GUMS, GUM RESINS, RESINS AND BALSAMS NESOI
HS 130190
| State | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $1.4M | $215K | -$1.1M |
| New York | $674K | -- | -$674K |
| New Jersey | $192K | $12K | -$180K |
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEWARK, NJ | $1.7M | $38K | -$1.7M |
| BALTIMORE, MD | $681K | -- | -$681K |
| LOS ANGELES, CA | $359K | -- | -$359K |