Introduction – Indonesia’s Seashells Market: A Quantitative Overview
When it comes to seashell exports, Indonesia isn’t just dipping its toes in the water—it’s diving deep. In 2023, Indonesia exported around $21 million worth of unworked or simply prepared seashells, making it the second-largest seashell exporter in the world, just behind Japan’s $49.6 million. While that may sound like a small slice of Indonesia’s total exports (about 0.008%), it’s a major figure in a niche yet globally relevant market. (Source)
With approximately 14,952 metric tons shipped in 2023—a massive jump from just over 5,700 metric tons in 2021—Indonesia is clearly riding a rising tide. But where are these seashells heading? The United States, China, and Japan top the list, with the U.S. alone accounting for 30% of Indonesia’s seashell exports.
With this kind of volume and value, it’s essential for global buyers to take a data-driven approach in picking suppliers. That’s where platforms like Freshdi step in—giving you real-time insights, verified supplier lists, and export trend data to make better sourcing decisions.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Market Signals
Indonesia’s seashell export growth isn’t just impressive—it’s strategic. The industry has seen a threefold surge in export volumes between 2021 and 2023, signaling both increased supply and global demand.
In 2023 alone, the U.S. imported over $6.3 million worth of seashells from Indonesia, followed by China at $4 million, and Japan at $1.7 million. Demand from the Middle East and Europe is also picking up, with countries like Saudi Arabia and Germany becoming stable importers.
Through platforms like Freshdi, buyers can analyze RFQ (Request for Quote) volumes, which often mirror these macro trends. An uptick in RFQs for scallops or decorative shells, for example, typically precedes export volume increases—giving buyers a way to stay ahead of the curve.
Top 9 Verified Seashells Suppliers in Indonesia – Proven Export Performers
Finding a reliable seashell exporter in Indonesia is a bit like beachcombing—you want the good ones, not just the shiny ones. These 9 suppliers have been verified on Freshdi for their export records, certifications, and buyer reviews.
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Murante Global International
Known for its consistent quality and responsive shipping, Murante serves clients in North America and East Asia. Their product range includes both decorative and processed seashells. -
Pt. Amina Nusantara Jaya
Based in Central Java, Amina Nusantara Jaya is a go-to for bulk orders and is praised for sustainable harvesting methods. -
Ekspor Indonesia Aja
While they also deal in seaweed, their seashell division is growing fast, especially in the European market. -
Pt Neo Ekspor Indonesia
This supplier is known for its strong logistics and excellent compliance with international trade standards. -
CV AWNIRAYA
A consistent exporter with diverse seashell offerings—from scallops to cowries—popular in the U.S. and China. -
CV. Keong Mas Permai
Specializing in ornamental and aquarium-grade seashells, this supplier is a favorite among boutique retailers. -
Reski Bersama CV
Reliable, customer-focused, and strong in the decorative shell segment in the Middle East. -
Aroma Bumi Indonesia
This supplier balances volume and quality and is widely used by bulk importers in Asia. -
Kaitek Indo Group
While known for seaweed, Kaitek also exports seashells with high traceability and competitive pricing. -
Alam Mas
A newer player but quickly gaining traction for quality packaging and on-time deliveries.
Dynamic Ranking Note:
Freshdi’s Supplier of the Month/Quarter feature dynamically ranks these suppliers based on recent RFQ response rates, delivery timelines, and customer feedback. This helps buyers make timely, informed decisions in a fast-moving market.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Value Dynamics & Export Dynamics
So what’s driving the seashell market right now, especially in Indonesia?
Export Trends and Demand
In 2024, Asia’s production of frozen, dried, salted, or smoked scallops—including queen scallops—rose by 41% year-on-year to reach 126,000 tons. While Indonesia isn’t the biggest contributor, it’s a key player. As demand surges, so does opportunity.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations
Prices are like tides—they rise and fall. In 2024, scallop prices in China ranged from 49.23 yuan/kg in early months to 52.01 yuan/kg in September, marking a new annual high. These fluctuations are often tied to seasonal harvesting and shifts in global demand.
Forecasts and Market Outlook
The Asia-Pacific scallop market is expected to grow at a steady CAGR of 0.9% through 2035. For Indonesian suppliers, this means a consistent market with room to scale, especially as new buyers enter the fold.
Challenges on the Horizon
In early 2025, global scallop prices spiked due to raw material shortages, jumping from $18.50 to $35/kg. This caused production delays and import freezes in some regions. For buyers, this reinforces the need for reliable sourcing partners—again, a space where Freshdi shines by giving you up-to-date supplier performance data.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Optimized Supply Chains
Indonesia’s seashell export market has shown that it’s not just surviving—it’s thriving. From a threefold increase in export volume to a diverse range of global buyers, the country is cementing its position as a seashell export powerhouse.
But as with any global trade, data is your best friend. Selecting the right supplier shouldn’t be a guessing game. You need to look at:
- Export performance
- Market trends
- Price fluctuations
- Global demand shifts
And that’s where Freshdi truly becomes a game-changer. By giving you access to real-time RFQ trends, verified supplier data, and market analytics, Freshdi makes sure you’re not just buying seashells—you’re building a smarter, more resilient supply chain.
Key Takeaways
- Indonesia is the second-largest seashell exporter globally after Japan.
- Export volumes have tripled from 2021 to 2023.
- The U.S., China, and Japan are top buyers of Indonesian seashells.
- Verified suppliers on Freshdi offer quality, reliability, and global reach.
- Scallop demand is growing, but price volatility makes strategic sourcing essential.
Checklist for Smart Seashell Buyers
✅ Verify supplier certifications and export histories
✅ Track RFQ activity trends via platforms like Freshdi
✅ Monitor seasonal price fluctuations
✅ Prioritize suppliers with consistent delivery timelines
✅ Stay updated with dynamic supplier rankings on Freshdi
Future Outlook – Riding the Next Wave
With growing demand in Asia-Pacific and consistent market expansion projected through 2035, seashells—especially scallops—are more than just pretty collectibles. They’re a viable, scalable export product with global demand. Indonesia, with its resource base and growing export infrastructure, is perfectly positioned to lead this market.
By leveraging tools like Freshdi, buyers can navigate market complexities, avoid sourcing pitfalls, and build long-term partnerships with Indonesia’s leading seashell suppliers.
FAQs
1. Why is Indonesia such a big player in the seashell export market?
Indonesia has a rich marine ecosystem, making it ideal for seashell collection. Its strategic location and increasing investment in export infrastructure also give it an edge.
2. What are the most exported types of seashells from Indonesia?
Scallops, cowries, and ornamental shells are among the most exported. Scallops, in particular, are gaining momentum due to rising global demand.
3. How can I verify a seashell supplier in Indonesia?
Use platforms like Freshdi. They provide verified supplier profiles, export records, and buyer reviews.
4. Are seashell prices stable throughout the year?
Not really. Prices fluctuate based on seasonality, demand, and global trade conditions. Staying informed helps you plan better.
5. What makes Freshdi different from other sourcing platforms?
Freshdi specializes in B2B export intelligence. It offers dynamic supplier rankings, market stats, RFQ trends, and direct connections to verified Indonesian suppliers.
References
- trendeconomy.com
- wits.worldbank.org
- indexbox.io
- ocean-treasure.com
- reuters.com
- Freshdi B2B Platform
