The Spanish Myth — Agar Agar Global Import & Export Data
Official trade statistics for HS Code 130231 (Agar Agar) 2013–2023 reveal surprising patterns — including why Spain exports significantly more than it produces.
Agar Agar (HS 130231) — Top Importers 2015–2023
Official government statistics for Agar Agar (HS Code 130231) from 2015 to 2023 reveal the structure of global demand. The chart below shows the top importing countries by cumulative volume over the period.
Source: ITC Trade Map / official government sources · HS 130231 · Top Importers 2015–2023
Data Note: All statistics are from official government sources. Discrepancies may arise from timing differences — exports are recorded on the date of departure; imports on the date of arrival. Contact us for raw data files (full name, physical address, contact details and purpose required).
Top Exporters 2013–2023 — and the Spain Anomaly
The export picture is equally instructive. Some countries appear prominently on both the import and export charts — a pattern that reflects different roles in the supply chain:
Source: ITC Trade Map / official government sources · HS 130231 · Top Exporters 2013–2023
- ASEAN countries (e.g. Indonesia, Philippines) export raw seaweed and import processed agar — reflecting the raw-material vs. finished-product split.
- China imports raw seaweed, refines it into finished agar, and re-exports — a classic value-add processing model.
- UAE is a pure re-exporter — importing and immediately re-exporting finished product to regional markets.
- Spain: In the most recent 5-year period (2019–2023), Spain's agar imports totalled approximately 5,385 tons while exports reached 8,571 tons — imports at nearly 63% of exports. Since Spain does not produce significant agar domestically, the origin of product exported as "Spanish" agar is worth examining. (Import/export ratios for Spanish Saffron and Spanish Paprika show strikingly similar patterns.)
Understanding these trade flows is essential for buyers verifying origin claims, assessing country-of-origin labelling requirements, or conducting due diligence on their supply chain.
Why Buyers Work with CBL
Supply chain transparency is central to what we do. CBL operates as a broker and agent — representing your interests in China, not selling product on our own account. We verify producer credentials, inspect facilities and monitor every batch — so you know exactly what you are buying and where it comes from.
Agency: Fixed-fee for defined deliverables — research, audits, factory visits. Paid on delivery.
Brokerage: Commission on successful completion only. You contract directly with the supplier. White label / private label coordinated through this model.
Our Role in the Agar Agar Supply Chain
We coordinate supplier matchmaking, quality assurance and compliance monitoring in China. We welcome White Label / Private Label enquiries with full customisation over quality, safety, processing, packaging and export format. Available in various gel strengths: strips, powder, sponge, sticks — in your chosen pack sizes. Allergens, heavy metals and microbiological testing all covered.
Contact us with your specifications. More details on Agar Agar are on our product page.
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