• Analysis and Studies
• Agar-agar: import and export

Agar-agar is a gelatinous substance derived from red algae and is known for its gelling properties and versatile uses in both culinary and scientific applications. In fact, as well as being widely used in the cuisines of Southeast Asia, it’s also vegan substitute for gelatin, making it ideal for preparing plant-based jellies, puddings, and custards. However, unlike gelatin, which tends to melt easily, agar-agar remains firm, even in heat, making it a staple ingredient in various desserts and savory dishes across Asian countries. In scientific fields, agar-agar is indispensable in microbiology and molecular biology. Its ability to form a stable gel at room temperature makes it a perfect medium for culturing microorganisms in laboratory environments.

Furthermore, agar-agar offers several health benefits: it is high in fiber, promoting digestion and providing a feeling of fullness, which can support weight management, and it’s also low-calorie and contains valuable minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium. Typically available in powder, flake, or bar form, agar-agar dissolves in boiling water and can then be used to gel various liquids, forming a nutrient-rich gel that enhances both dietary and laboratory applications with ease.

In 2022, agar-agar was the world's 3396th most traded product, with a total trade of $305M, and between 2021 and 2022 the exports grew by 5.75%, from $289M to $305M.

In 2022 the country which exported agar-agar the most was China, with a trade of $107M, ahead of Spain ($43M), Chile ($27.3M), Morocco ($22.9M), and Italy ($22M). Whereas the most significant importer was Japan, with a trade of $42.5M, followed by United States ($39.3M), Italy ($27.3M), Spain ($22.1M), and Russia ($19M).

This graphic illustrates the distinct strategies and market dynamics within the agar-agar trade. China stands out as the leading supplier, capitalizing on its advanced production capabilities in seaweed farming and processing. Spain acts as a crucial intermediary in transatlantic trade, with a significant reliance on the United States for its exports.

Meanwhile, Chile concentrates on high-demand markets, especially Japan and the United States, while prioritizing sustainability in its production practices. Similarly, Morocco adopts a focused trade strategy, primarily directing its exports to Japan and the United States, while Italy employs a diverse export approach, engaging with various markets, including Vietnam and Poland. Although the United States is not a leading exporter, it plays a critical role as a major importer, significantly influencing global trade dynamics.

1. China (35.1%): 16.1% Spain, 14.6% Italy, 11.7% Russia, 10.5% Thailand, 7.24% United States, 5.85% Japan, 5.04% South Korea, 4.16% Germany,12% India, 2.93% Chile, 1.32% Argentina
2. Spain (14.1%): 25.2% United States, 12.9% United Kingdom. 10.7% France, 7.13% China, 5.89% Germany, 5.74% Italy, 4.78% Poland, 3.62% India, 3.35% Japan, 1.37% Russia, 1.09% Argentina
3. Chile (8.94%): 46.8% Japan, 19.7% United States, 12.8% Denmark, 6.37% Russia, 3.04% Thailand, 2.42% Brazil, 1.04% Spain
4. Morocco (7.51%): 33.7% Japan, 24% United States, 11.1% United Kingdom, 7.27% Spain, 6.92% France, 5.44% Germany, 4.19% Italy, 1.89% Egypt
5. Italy (7.22%): 21.4% Vietnam, 9.83% Poland, 7.33% Germany, 6.92% United States, 6.67% France, 4.87% Ukraine, 4.35% Spain, 4.02% Turkey, 3.99% Argentina, 2.76% United Kingdom, 2.09% Denmark

This graphic illustrates the import dynamics of agar-agar, with different countries shaping their import strategies based on regional relationships and specific market demands. Japan is the largest importer, significantly relying on Chile, South Korea, and Morocco for its supply.

The United States follows closely, sourcing primarily from Spain and China, highlighting its connections to both European and Asian markets. Italy also plays a significant role, predominantly importing from China, as well as Vietnam and Indonesia. Meanwhile, Spain relies heavily on China for its agar-agar imports, reflecting strong trade ties between the two nations. Russia rounds out the group with considerable imports from China and Vietnam.

1. Japan (13.9%): 30% Chile, 21.2% South Korea, 18.2% Morocco, 14.8% China, 9.71% Indonesia, 3.39% Spain, 1.65% United States
2. United States (12.9%): 27.6% Spain, 19.7% China, 14% Morocco, 13.7% Chile, 5.16% South Korea, 5.13% Germany,88% Italy, 3.2% Thailand, 1.55% Mexico
3. Italy (8.93%): 57.3% China, 13.7% Vietnam, 13% Indonesia, 9.05% Spain, 3.52% Morocco, 2.31% Germany
4. Spain (7.25%): 78.2% China, 7.54% Morocco, 4.33% Italy, 3.14% Mexico, 1.77% Indonesia, 1.28% Chile
5. Russia (6.23%): 65.9% China, 12% Vietnam, 9.14% Chile, 4.21% Indonesia, 3.1% Spain, 1.9% Germany, 1.27% Austria

Between 2021 and 2022, the fastest growing exporter was China, with an increase of $24.1M, followed by India ($727k), Mexico ($714k), Thailand ($624k), and Spain ($474k).

1. China: from $83.2M to $107M
2. India: from $2.33M to $3.06M
3. Mexico: from $1.15M to $1.86M
4. Thailand: from $1.99M to $2.61M
5. Spain: from $42.5M to $43M

Whereas the country with the fastest growth in imports was Spain, with an increase of $6.62M, ahead of Japan ($4.93M), United States ($4.28M), Italy ($3.02M), and Thailand ($2.68M).

1. Spain: from $15.5M to $22.1M
2. Japan: from $37.6M to $42.5M
3. United States: from $35M to $39.3M
4. Italy: from $24.2M to $27.3M
5. Thailand: from $9.9M to $12.6M

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