The carrageenan prices in Q1’26 experienced an uptrend due to the scarcity of red seaweeds and high demand for processed seaweed in the global market. Feedstock conditions remained constrained as rising sea temperatures delayed cultivation cycles and reduced yields, while increased fish activity damaged crops. This led to a low harvest, pushing prices of seaweeds higher. Processors in major production areas had to resort to importing red seaweeds from different sources, hence raising the cost of supply. Trade levels were high since South Korea continued exporting large quantities of dried seaweed. Increased international demand for processed seaweed in markets such as Asia, North America, and Europe was also evident through high exports. At the same time, growing international consumption linked to the rising popularity of seaweed-based foods increased pressure on supply chains, while higher processing and distribution costs added to the overall price rise.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, carrageenan prices are expected to remain firm due to limited seaweed supply and continued export demand, though volatility may persist if harvest conditions improve.
Related Report
Get real-time price assessments, periodic trends, forecasts and price driver insights across key global markets.
Unlock Price Insights NowOur Clients
Turn price intelligence into action with the Procurement Resource Database. Log in or subscribe to unlock live price trends, historical charts, supplier databases, cost curves, and analyst-backed insights across chemicals, agriculture, energy, packaging, and more. Use these tools to benchmark your contracts, plan budgets with confidence, and stay ahead of market moves on every product you buy.
0
+Products
0
+Regions
0
+Subscriptions
The trend of Carrageenan prices was mixed and slightly volatile in 2025, as the market was primarily affected by fluctuations in seaweed supply and processing conditions. In the early part of 2025, the supply of raw seaweed was higher because of favorable harvesting conditions, which reduced raw seaweed supply costs, thereby exerting a cost squeeze on Carrageenan supply. However, processing constraints and low rates of conversion of raw seaweed to Carrageenan kept supply tight, thus preventing a sharper fall in Carrageenan prices. Demand for Carrageenan remained firm, particularly from food, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries, thus maintaining a balance in the market.
As the year went by, the market continued to trade within its narrow band. Increasing demand for seaweed-based solutions in the fields of aquaculture, food, and industrial applications helped sustain the demand for derivatives like carrageenan. At the same time, the increase in production and the availability of tools to reduce the cost of seaweed farming contributed to the supply pressures, which posed a challenge to the producers of carrageenan.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, prices of Carrageenan are expected to remain stable. Seaweed supply growth and improvements in processing capacity are expected to sustain the market in the near term.
Carrageenans are natural sulfated polysaccharides, highly flexible molecules that form curling helical structures. Carrageenan is extracted from a red seaweed commonly known as Irish Moss. This edible seaweed is native to the British Isles and has been used in cooking for hundreds of years, and it's also widely used in the food industry as a thickener and gelling agent. Unlike gelatin, which is made from animal products, Carrageenan is appropriate for vegans.
C23H23FN4O7Zn
Thickener, Gelling Agent, Processed Foods, Biotechnology, Lubricants, Beverages
Condrus crispus, Irish Moss
MCPI Corp (Philippines), Marcel Carrageenan (Philippines), PT Fortuna Cahaya Cemerlang (Indonesia)., Ina Food Industry Co. Ltd (Japan), Caldic BV (Netherlands)
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery
Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
The seaweed is harvested and dried, then sent to the industrial manufacturer. The seaweed is grounded into powder, sifted to remove impurities like sand and dirt, and then washed thoroughly. This intermediate product is then treated with a hot alkali solution, and the cellulose is removed via filtration and centrifugation. The resulting solution is evaporated to obtain the desired outcome.
Siddharth David
Manager - Market Research
Delivering market research and procurement intelligence at Procurement Resource with a focus on economic forecasting, commodity analysis, and client advisory to help sourcing teams make data-backed purchasing decisions.
Our Price Analysis Methodology
Experience how Procurement Resource transforms raw material price data into clear, decision ready intelligence. Optimise your performance with reliable, expert market data and analysis. Schedule your demo today to experience a live walk-through where our experts will showcase interactive price charts, forecasted prices, and insights driving the prices for your key commodities, tailored to your workflows. Contact us now!
Our Team will be happy to assist you
We are just a text away
Still Need Help?
Unlock full access to Procurement Resource's price databases, interactive charts, and short-term forecasts for thousands of commodities. Elevate your sourcing decisions by comparing prices across regions, downloading historical data, and layering in analyst-backed insights, all with our flexible plans that scale as your portfolio grows.
Still have any Questions
Contact Us
Price Trend Dashboard - What's Included
Price trends across a diverse portfolio of categories and products, spanning board to niche chemicals
Coverage extendable to grade-specific chemicals based on procurement requirements
Regular price tracking supported by robust historical datasets
News, policy updates, and key market drivers impacting price movements
Short-term and long-term price outlooks and forecasts
Supply-demand dynamics and capacity-driven market analysis
Track prices, market movements, supply-demand dynamics, and industry developments across hundreds of commodities through a centralized intelligence platform built for informed procurement decisions.
Understand market fluctuations using analyst-backed forecasts, historical pricing patterns, and evolving industry trends to strengthen sourcing strategies and budget planning.
Leverage cost models, pricing benchmarks, and procurement insights to evaluate purchasing opportunities, improve negotiations, and enhance operational efficiency.
Access region-specific price trends, trade activities, capacity changes, and supply chain developments influencing commodity markets worldwide.
