The Philippine' seaweed-carrageenan sector may enjoy an advantage over Indonesia and is even foreseen to have a monopoly of the market as Indonesia plans to ban the export of its raw seaweed by 2012 in an aim to encourage development of its processing. The Seaweed Industry Association of the Philippines (SIAP) believes the Philippines should take advantage of this potential competitive edge. The Indonesian government, through its Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), has announced the planned seaweed export ban in its aim to boost processing of carrageenan and other seaweed-based commercial-industrial products.

Aguiba, M. M. (2010, January 31). RP carrageenan makers to gain from Indonesian ban on raw seaweed export. Manila Bulletin, pp. B-1, B-3.