Sesame Market Weekly Update: Market Faces Uncertainty as Crop Damage and Supply Concerns Rise
Sesame Crop in Gujarat and Other Key Regions Faces Setbacks Due to Weather
This week, unfavorable weather conditions have severely impacted the Indian sesame market, particularly in Gujarat. The sowing area for Kharif sesame has dropped to 1.08 million hectares, compared to 1.18 million hectares last year. Persistent heavy rains in Saurashtra-Gujarat have caused widespread crop damage, worsening the situation for farmers who were already concerned about low planting numbers. Farmers report that sesame crops have suffered significant losses, with substantial reductions in yield expected in certain areas.Similarly, recent weather conditions have damaged sesame crops in Pakistan, leading to a decline in quality. This has created additional pressure on supply, making it harder to find high-quality sesame in the market.
Quality and Supply Concerns Expected to Push Sesame Prices Higher
The crop damage in key producing regions such as Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh will likely reduce the availability of good-quality sesame. As a result, prices are expected to rise in the coming weeks. Market analysts predict that prices could increase by $0,06 per kilogram. Last week, white sesame prices ranged between roughly $1,55 to $1,56 per kilogram, reflecting slight fluctuations due to crop challenges.In comparison, prices in Gwalior have slightly decreased. Hulled sesame prices fell from $1,55 to $1,54 per kilogram. With ongoing concerns about supply shortages and quality, analysts expect further price increases as the market adjusts to these challenges.
Brazilian Sesame Imports Offer Some Relief
To offset the domestic crop damage, Brazilian sesame imports have begun arriving in India. This week, approximately 8,000 to 10,000 metric tons of high-quality Brazilian sesame entered the country, with more shipments expected in September. Currently, Brazilian sesame prices range from $1,50 to $1,55 per kilogram, providing some relief to the price volatility caused by domestic production issues.While these imports may help stabilize prices temporarily, analysts believe domestic supply challenges and increasing demand could continue to push prices higher in the future.
China's Sesame Market Faces Supply Glut, Pressuring Prices
In China, increased sesame supply, particularly from Tanzania, has led to a decline in prices. Qingdao Port now holds approximately 152,100 metric tons of sesame as of September 2nd, 2024, with imported sesame stored in large quantities. Despite these stocks, downstream buyers remain cautious, adding pressure to prices. Import prices for Tanzanian sesame have dropped by 3.43%, with other varieties following a similar trend.With Pakistan's sesame crop expected to arrive soon, Chinese port traders are actively working to clear existing inventory, which could further lower prices. This global price drop might impact the Indian market, especially if demand stays weak.
Unfavorable weather conditions have created significant challenges for the Indian sesame market, leading to crop damage and potential supply shortages. While Brazilian imports offer some temporary stability, the shortage of high-quality domestic sesame and rising demand may continue to push prices higher. Meanwhile, China's oversupply and cautious demand could further impact global sesame prices. The market is expected to remain volatile as more information about crop damage and its effect on prices becomes available.