In China, the new sesame crop in Hubei has been affected by monsoon anomalies in low-lying areas, necessitating close monitoring and potential replanting efforts. Conversely, Henan's new crop seedlings are showing favorable growth conditions. Continuous rainfall in Chenji Town, Anhui Province, has had a limited impact on seedling development, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring.

White Sesame Market Slowdown

• The white sesame market is currently experiencing a slowdown, with prices dropping by $0.024 to $0.06 per kg.
• Hulled sesame prices have fallen from $2.016 per kg to $1.98, while Sortex prices range from $1.644 to $1.668 per kg.
• Local and export demand for sesame is low, impacting market dynamics.
• The Mozambique crop is ready, with prices quoted at $1.44 to $1.46 per kg.

Brazilian and Pakistani Sesame Market Trends

• Initially priced at $1.50 per kg, Brazilian sesame now ranges from $1.35 to $1.37 per kg.
• Indian importers have secured deals for phased shipments from Brazil in July, August, and September.
• Import volumes have increased due to lower prices, although exact quantities are unclear.
• Imported sesame will enter the Indian market in August, with minimal price increases expected.
• Pakistani sesame prices opened at $1.60 per kg but have since fallen to $1.35 to $1.38 per kg.
• China's purchasing from Pakistan is low this year, despite traditionally buying significant quantities.

India Market Conditions

Gujarat:

• Total summer crop size: 90,000 to 100,000 metric tonnes.
• Market arrivals: 75,000 to 80,000 metric tonnes.
• Daily arrivals: 6,000 to 8,000 bags (60 kg each).

 Prices:

• White sortex sesame: $1.50 to $1.62 per kg.
• Black sesame: $1.82 to $1.98 per kg.

Andhra Pradesh:

• Medium red-black mix sesame: $1.19-$1.20 per kg.
•  Red sesame (Maidukuru and Rajampet): $1.34-$1.38 per kg.

Tamil Nadu:

• Daily arrivals: 700-800 bags of Rabi season sesame.

Prices:

• Black sesame: $1.46-$1.76 per kg.
• Red sesame: $1.24-$1.75 per kg.
•  White sesame: $1.64-$1.70 per kg.

Price and Export Trends

The white sesame market is facing a slowdown, with prices falling by $0.02 to $0.06 per kg. The global sesame market is also experiencing a slowdown, with Mozambique crop prices quoted at $1,44 to $1,46 per kg. Brazilian sesame prices have dropped from $1,500 per kg to $1,350-$1,370 per kg, leading to increased import volumes to India, expected to hit the market in August.

In Madhya Pradesh, weekly arrivals of 8,000 to 10,000 bags of summer sesame are being traded locally. Prices vary by quality: fine sesame is priced between $1,49 and $1,53 per kg, medium sesame between $1,45 and $1,49 per kg, and average sesame between $1,42 and $1,45 per kg. 

India's Department of Commerce is revising export procedures for sesame seeds to the US, focusing on controlling pesticide residue. This initiative aims to align with global food safety standards and enhance India's agricultural export credibility.

Pakistan and Tanzania Insights

Pakistan:

• Sesame crop outlook has seen a significant increase, with estimates now ranging between 300,000 and 350,000 metric tonnes.
• Crop remains unaffected by rain, with limited stocks from previous harvests.
• Full-scale harvesting is expected to commence in the coming month.
• Prices of Pakistani sesame have dropped from $1.60 per kg to $1.35-$1.38 per kg due to reduced demand from China.

Tanzania:

• Warehouse Deposit Summary as of 15 July 2024 reports a total weight of 125,703 metric tonnes, with Lindi leading at 55,924 metric tonnes.
• The country has received above-normal rainfall, expected to continue till mid-September, positively impacting the monsoon season.

Global Sesame Production and Trade

• Brazil's sesame crop is estimated at 200,000 tonnes, exported to India, Vietnam, and Türkiye.
• South Korea is expected to tender 10,000 tonnes within two weeks, with Pakistan likely to receive significant orders.
• In India, those holding summer sesame stocks are expected to bid in this tender. Local and export demand remains weak, leading to an anticipated price drop of $0,024 to $0,036 per kg. This year's summer sesame crop in India was around 100,000 tonnes, with 40,000 tonnes expected to be exported. Currently, 20 percent of the season's crop is still with farmers.

Market Outlook and Factors Affecting Cultivation

Monsoon sesame sowing in Gujarat has been poor, and cultivation is expected to decline in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan due to excessive rains causing crop wastage. Farmers are increasingly shifting towards peanut cultivation, reducing sesame farming. The full picture of sesame cultivation will become clearer by August.

The sesame market remains dynamic, influenced by various factors including weather conditions, global demand, and pricing trends. Stakeholders must stay informed to navigate the evolving market landscape effectively.