A Chinese roasted seaweed, or laver, trade fair is held in Rudong county, Nantong in eastern Jiangsu province on March 14. [Photo/rdxmt.com]

The total trading volume at the Rudong laver fair came in at 1 billion yuan ($14.9 million), according to local media reports. 

More than 30 companies from countries including Japan, the United States and Russia attended the event.

Porphyra Yezoensis, one of the most common species of laver in Rudong county, has a gained a big reputation internationally.

Dai Weiping, secretary general of the Jiangsu Laver Association, said that the output of laver in Japan and China had fallen in both countries this year.

Dai pointed out that the laver produced in Rudong county had maintained its high quality, as in previous years, even though production had fallen.

A total of 77 laver companies in Rudong reportedly brokered deals with 26 buyers at the fair.