For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In the United States and Canada, the Agar-Agar Price Index eased by ~2.5% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting sluggish industrial buying.
• The average Agar-Agar price for the quarter was approximately USD 13,200/MT for CFR East Coast North America imports.
• Spot prices softened as exporters offered discounts to shift cargoes; domestic buyers remained price-sensitive, keeping the Index subdued.
• Price Forecast indicates a modest rebound into Q4 driven by seasonal food manufacturing ramp-up and confectionery restocking.
• Production Cost Trend showed minor upward pressure from higher energy and packaging costs, but these were largely absorbed by processors.
• Demand Outlook points to tentative strengthening as beverage and specialty food makers finalize autumn product lines.
• Elevated importer inventories and cautious procurement policies constrained upside, though increasing export enquiries from Latin America could support prices.
• Smooth port throughput and steady origin loads limited short-term supply shocks, maintaining market depth for North American buyers.
Why did the price of Agar-Agar change in September 2025 in North America?
• Tepid manufacturing demand and high importer/distributor inventories reduced immediate buying needs, weighing on prices.
• Exporters trimmed offers to protect market share, prompting spot weakness and a softer Price Index.
• Modest increases in energy/packaging costs were offset by abundant global supply and stable freight, limiting landed-cost pressure and delaying buying urgency.
APAC
• In Japan, the Agar-Agar Price Index fell by 3.07% quarter-over-quarter, due to weak import demand.
• The average Agar-Agar price for the quarter was approximately USD 12533.33/MT for CFR Tokyo imports.
• Agar-Agar Spot Price softened as exporters lowered offers, while the Price Index signalled buyer conservatism.
• Agar-Agar Price Forecast indicates modest recovery into Q4 as restocking coincides with seasonal confectionery procurement.
• Agar-Agar Production Cost Trend remained steady as feedstock abundance and processing limited cost-driven price increases.
• Agar-Agar Demand Outlook points to strengthening as food and personal care sectors prepare autumn launches.
• Elevated inventories constrained upside, though firming export demand and restocking could lift the Price Index.
• Stable origin production and smooth port operations limited volatility, ensuring reliable supply into Tokyo markets.
Why did the price of Agar-Agar change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Muted domestic demand and high importer inventories reduced buying urgency, pressuring prices despite steady supply.
• Exporters lowered offers to regain volumes, triggering spot market weakness and a softer Price Index.
• Yen appreciation and stable freight costs restrained landed cost pressure, reducing importer urgency to buy.
Europe
• In key EU markets, the Agar-Agar Price Index declined by ~3.8% quarter-over-quarter as industrial purchases slowed ahead of autumn budgeting.
• The average Agar-Agar price for the quarter was approximately USD 12,900/MT for CFR Rotterdam imports.
• Spot market activity weakened as sellers reduced premiums to clear stocks; buyers adopted conservative tendering.
• Price Forecast suggests gradual stabilization into Q4 as confectionery and dairy processors restock for seasonal SKUs.
• Production Cost Trend remained neutral overall; feedstock availability and efficient processing kept cost pass-through limited.
• Demand Outlook points to incremental recovery with new product launches in personal care and food sectors in October–November.
• High warehouse inventories across Europe capped near-term upside, though improving export flows to Africa and the Middle East could tighten local availability.
• Reliable port operations and predictable inland logistics reduced volatility, ensuring continuous supply to European processors.
Why did the price of Agar-Agar change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Low industrial procurement and elevated inventories reduced purchasing urgency, applying downward pressure on prices.
• Sellers lowered offers to stimulate orders, weakening spot markets and dragging the Price Index lower.
• Currency movements (euro strength vs some origins) and steady freight limited landed-cost increases, reducing immediate incentive for buyers to cover forward needs.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• In Q2, the U.S. Agar-agar Spot Price closely followed the Asian trend, with the Price Index rising in April and May due to limited Chinese supply and firm clean-label demand across dairy alternatives and vegan applications.
• April and May saw higher imports as buyers reacted to early signals of tighter supply, pushing the Price Index up despite stable Agar-agar Production Cost Trend in domestic repackaging and distribution.
• By June, with supply pressures easing in Asia, import prices softened and buyer momentum reduced, particularly as off-season demand from food and beverage sectors stalled.
• The U.S. market experienced moderate procurement from nutraceuticals and OTC health products, contributing to a relatively stable Agar-agar Demand Outlook throughout Q2.
• Inventories remained well-balanced, with forward-booked containers from Q1 and early Q2 arriving smoothly due to robust logistical support from Asia-Pacific ports.
• Some buyers adopted a wait-and-see approach in June, anticipating potential price drops after early-quarter stockpiling, contributing to a modest easing in spot trades.
• The pharmaceutical and microbiological sectors sustained steady requirements, helping stabilize baseline consumption despite general demand cooling in food sectors.
• The Agar-agar Price Forecast for early Q3 leans bearish, with downstream players likely continuing cautious procurement amidst price normalization.
• July 2025 saw a Price Index decline in the U.S. as increased global availability, improved Chinese exports, and soft consumer demand in summer-curtailed buying volumes.
• The regional Agar-agar Spot Price correction in July was largely driven by comfortable inventory positions, reduced urgency from key buyers, and softened Asian quotations.
APAC (Japan)
• The Agar-agar Spot Price in Japan saw a cumulative increase of over 3% across April and May 2025 with the Price Index reaching USD 13,150/MT by May due to strong demand for clean-label ingredients and constrained export volumes from China.
• April’s Price Index rose by 1.57% and was supported by Japan's robust Agar-agar Demand Outlook from the food and nutraceutical sectors, alongside tightly managed inventories and selective imports of premium-grade products.
• In May, a 1.70% increase in prices was recorded due to temporary output reductions in China during Labour Day holidays which tightened global supply and pressuring Japanese buyers to continue active procurement.
• Agar-agar Production Cost Trend remained stable across Q2 in APAC, with no reported hikes in raw materials or inland logistics, thus making demand and export dynamics the primary drivers of price changes.
• The Agar-agar Spot Price corrected by 3.35% in June as supply improved post-holiday in China and Japanese demand dropped following the conclusion of seasonal restocking linked to festivals.
• Stable logistics and uninterrupted port operations in Q2 ensured efficient cargo movement; this helped maintain equilibrium in the market when demand dropped in June.
• By June-end, inventory levels were elevated due to heavy April–May buying, while a subdued Agar-agar Demand Outlook from food processors and limited OTC formulations led to restrained purchasing.
• Pharmaceuticals and laboratory sectors maintained their regular procurement across the quarter, but their stable demand was insufficient to absorb oversupplied stock in June.
• The Agar-agar Price Forecast for early Q3 suggests cautious sentiment, as July likely saw either a flat trend or a mild decline in the Price Index, reflecting surplus inventory and routine-level buying.
• July 2025 prices likely decreased marginally due to underutilized inventories, post-festival demand moderation, and improved Chinese export availability, easing pressure on spot pricing.
Europe
• The Agar-agar Price Index in Europe increased in April–May 2025 in tandem with Asian export trends, driven by strong usage in dairy stabilizers, confectionery, and meat substitutes.
• European buyers faced costlier shipments in April and May due to Chinese supply tightening and high procurement competition from Asian buyers, pushing prices up moderately.
• Although the Agar-agar Production Cost Trend remained unchanged within Europe, landed costs increased due to stronger Asian FOB values and bulk container tightness.
• In June, the Agar-agar Spot Price began to correct as shipment flows normalized and demand across the food sector, especially bakery and ready meals, slowed with the onset of summer breaks.
• Pharmaceutical and lab-grade demand remained consistent through Q2, providing support to the overall Agar-agar Demand Outlook even as the food industry reduced call-offs.
• Some importers reported sufficient safety stocks by June, accumulated in anticipation of earlier supply disruptions, leading to muted fresh bookings.
• July procurement activity was restrained as buyers waited for prices to stabilize and managed high Q2 stock levels without urgent replenishment needs.
• The Agar-agar Price Forecast for early Q3 suggests continued price softness, particularly as Asian-origin costs fall and seasonal demand remains tepid.
• July 2025 recorded a Price Index decline in Europe, driven by lower Asian quotations, healthy inventory levels, and reduced demand across holiday-affected food processing operations.
• Overall, Q2 ended with a well-supplied market, moderated demand sentiment, and clearer visibility of downside pricing risks heading into Q3.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
During the first quarter of 2025, the North American Agar-Agar market showed relatively stable trends, with price fluctuations appearing modest and directionally neutral. Although no sharp changes were recorded, the market leaned toward a cautiously steady sentiment.
The seasonal transition from winter to early spring helped maintain consistent demand from key sectors such as plant-based food, beverages and nutraceutical formulations, where Agar-Agar plays a critical functional role. Strategic procurement by buyers early in the quarter contributed to a well-balanced inventory position, limiting the need for aggressive purchases in the latter half. While tariff-related concerns remained in the background, they did not significantly disrupt trade flows during the period.
On the supply side, importers benefited from relatively stable freight rates and smoother port operations, especially compared to disruptions observed in the prior year. Though price increases were not observed, this market steadiness reflects a well-managed demand-supply balance, supported by anticipatory procurement and predictable consumption patterns. As such, the quarter can be seen as a phase of quiet consolidation within the broader U.S. Agar-Agar landscape.
Asia Pacific
In the first quarter of 2025, the Asia Pacific market for Agar-Agar witnessed a modest price decline, with average quarterly prices in Japan falling by approximately 2.20% on a CFR Tokyo basis. The decline appeared to stem from a combination of subdued downstream demand and balanced inventory levels across key buyers in the food and beverage sector. Procurement activities remained cautious during the early part of the quarter, particularly around the Chinese Lunar New Year period, which typically slows manufacturing and shipping schedules in the region. This seasonal transition—from winter to spring—also meant that demand from nutraceutical and personal care sectors was somewhat restrained as product pipelines were already sufficiently stocked from prior cycles. Moreover, improved supply availability and smooth logistics operations contributed to a stable market environment, giving buyers the flexibility to negotiate prices. While the overall sentiment remained steady, the soft decline in prices can largely be attributed to strategic inventory consumption and moderate offtake rates. Sellers maintained price discipline to preserve margins, but the market's overall tone leaned slightly toward buyers through the quarter.
Europe
In the European market, the first quarter of 2025 presented a mixed yet calm environment for Agar-Agar pricing. While specific quarterly data points were limited, market cues suggest that prices remained mostly steady with slight room for downward correction in some pockets. Buyers across the continent exercised caution amid soft demand signals from the nutraceutical and food application sectors. The mild winter season, coupled with ample carryover stocks from the previous quarter, reduced immediate procurement pressure. Meanwhile, importers in key European ports managed their inbound shipments prudently, leveraging smoother logistics and cost-effective sourcing opportunities. At the same time, rising vigilance around food-grade product quality and regulatory scrutiny kept suppliers focused on maintaining consistency. Although no dramatic changes occurred, the price environment hinted at a slightly buyer-leaning trend, primarily driven by subdued purchasing momentum rather than any major supply shocks. Looking ahead, market participants in Europe appear to be preparing for potential demand resurgence in the second quarter, especially as the seasonal transition encourages renewed activity in the food and personal care segments.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, Agar-Agar prices in the USA experienced notable fluctuations, influenced by evolving economic and logistical factors. October saw a slight uptick in prices, driven by increased demand following Federal Reserve rate cuts that boosted consumer confidence. This was compounded by supply chain disruptions, including extended port congestion, labor strikes, and concerns over potential tariff hikes under President-elect Donald Trump. These factors led to strained supply-demand balances, pushing prices higher.
In November, the market shifted as prices began to decline, driven by softened demand amid inflationary pressures and high interest rates. The appreciation of the U.S. dollar made imports more affordable, while the resolution of the ILA strike helped alleviate some logistical challenges. Coupled with healthy inventory levels, these factors allowed suppliers to lower prices, benefiting consumers and further softening the market. By December, prices saw continued decline, influenced by waning consumer confidence, a seasonal slowdown in demand, and proactive inventory stockpiling in anticipation of potential strikes in January and the Chinese Lunar New Year. Inflation concerns and uncertainty surrounding tariffs led to cautious purchasing behavior, while abundant supply and competitive pricing strategies placed downward pressure on prices.
Overall, Q4 2024 was marked by volatility, with prices initially rising due to supply chain disruptions and demand surges, followed by a decline as inflationary concerns, supply chain resolutions, and softening demand took hold.
Asia Pacific
In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Agar-Agar market in China experienced a fluctuating trend driven by both domestic and international factors. In October, prices surged due to increased demand from China’s recovering manufacturing sector, boosted by government stimulus measures, a rise in domestic and export orders, and the Golden Week holiday. The depreciation of the yuan further contributed by making exports more competitive. However, in November, prices declined as a result of slowing domestic demand, high inventory levels, and weak international demand due to global economic uncertainties. The easing supply of raw materials from improved seaweed harvesting also contributed to downward pressure on prices. By December, the downward trend continued as China’s disinflation and subdued consumer demand, coupled with softening orders from the USA and Europe due to the holiday season, led to oversupply. Suppliers reduced prices to clear excess inventory, leading to further price cuts. Thus, the market in Q4 experienced a cycle of rising prices followed by a sharp decline.
Europe
In Q4 2024, Agar-Agar prices in Germany experienced fluctuating trends, shaped by a range of economic and market factors. October saw a modest price increase, supported by an uptick in business sentiment driven by optimism surrounding economic recovery and the European Central Bank’s third interest rate cut to 3.25%. This monetary easing spurred spending and investment, while supply chain disruptions at Hamburg’s ports, along with proactive inventory stockpiling, created upward pressure on prices.
However, the trend reversed in November, as weaker demand from key end-sectors and the easing of inflationary pressures led to price declines. A significant drop in consumer spending, combined with a 1.9% decrease in energy costs, reduced production expenses. This allowed suppliers to lower prices to remain competitive and adjust to the softened market conditions.
By December, the downward momentum continued, driven by subdued demand, cautious purchasing behavior amid lingering inflation concerns, and increased import costs due to the euro's depreciation. High inventory levels and year-end clearance efforts contributed to price pressure, while harsh winter weather exacerbated logistical delays and further dampened consumer activity. Overall, Q4 2024 saw a shift from initial optimism to more cautious economic sentiment, leading to a volatile yet declining pricing environment for Agar-Agar in Germany.
