U.S. imports of seaweeds & other algae not fit for human consumption (HS 121229) totaled $3.0M in April 2026, traded with 25 countries.
Industrial-grade seaweeds and algae classified here serve as raw material for agar, carrageenan, alginate, and other hydrocolloid extractions used in food processing, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agriculture. Unlike their edible counterparts under 121221, these materials are not presented for direct human consumption, which affects both the applicable FDA review pathway and the commercial documentation required at entry. Canada and Chile are the leading US suppliers, with the Philippines, Indonesia, and Brazil also contributing meaningfully — a supply base that reflects the geographic diversity of commercial macroalgae harvesting.
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Industrial seaweeds under 121229 are primary inputs for hydrocolloid manufacturers producing carrageenan, agar, and alginate — ingredients widely used as gelling, thickening, and stabilizing agents in food processing, pharmaceutical tablet coatings, and cosmetic formulations. Agricultural applications such as soil conditioners and biostimulants are also growing end uses.
Commercial invoices and product specifications should clearly state the industrial or technical grade of the material and its intended downstream processing use (e.g., hydrocolloid extraction). If the product has been treated with preservatives or processed in a way that renders it inedible, that should be noted. Ambiguous cases — such as food-grade species sold in bulk for industrial use — may require a binding ruling from CBP to confirm the correct heading.
Supplier Network
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Imports
$3.0M
from 25 countries · YTD: $11.2M
Exports
$560K
Deficit of $2.4M (net importer)
Trade balance: deficit of $2.4M (net importer)
YTD: $11.2M imported (April 2026)
69 shipments/month
Monthly import values over time
PLANTS & PARTS ETC FOR MEDICAMENTS ETC NESOI
HS 121190
VEGETABLE SEEDS FOR SOWING
HS 120991
LOW ERUCIC ACID RAPE/COLZA SEEDS W/NOT BROKEN
HS 120510
SOYBEANS, NESOI
HS 120190
SUNFLOWER SEEDS, WHETHER OR NOT BROKEN
HS 120600
OIL SEEDS & OLEAGINOUS FRUITS W/NT BROKEN, NESOI
HS 120799
Top U.S. entry points for this product, ranked by latest-month import value.