U.S. imports of Agar-Agar (HS 130231) totaled $1.8M in August 2026, imported from 19 countries.
Importers of Agar-Agar paid $142K in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 8.08% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Agar-Agar imports of $1.8M in August 2026 ran 26% below the year-to-date monthly average of $2.4M.
Last updated: August 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.
35 import shipments a month
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.
Subheading 6 of 9 in heading 1302
Subheading 130231 · $1.8M of $115.2M
Trade Directory
List your company under HS 130231 — Agar-Agar, so the companies trading it can find you. Be the first supplier listed.
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1302310000 | Agar-Agar | $1.8M | 8.08% | 70.90% | $142K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1302310000 | Agar-Agar | $759K |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
ImportsExports
Imports
$1.8MYoY · free account
Exports
$759KYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $29.4M of Agar-Agar and exported $6.2M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · August 2026
origin
Spain and Indonesia together supply 55% of it. South Korea pays 12.5% duty; Indonesia 0.0%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
29.1% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 8.08% of imports for consumption.