Global Seaweed - New and Emerging Markets Report

Today, most farmed seaweed is used for direct human consumption, as fresh feed in aquaculture, or as hydrocolloid and these markets are currently dominated by a handful of Asian countries which produce 98 perfect of farmed seaweed by volume globally. However, seaweed farming can provide ecosystem services and generate socioeconomic benefits to coastal communities in many more parts of the world. New market opportunities need to be explored to justify seaweed farming in regions beyond those already established.

The Global Seaweed New and Emerging Markets Report 2023 has identified ten global seaweed markets with the potential to drive additional growth in seaweed production by 2030, beyond its current markets. These include high-volume markets where seaweed-derived products may be able to displace fossil fuels in sectors such as fabrics and plastics, as well as high-value applications where unique bioactive compounds found in seaweed can benefit the health of livestock, pets, and humans through functional feed ingredients, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals.

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This report was commissioned and published by the World Bank Group