Sesame Market Weekly Overview

The global sesame market remained stable this week, with notable shifts in key producing and importing countries. China's demand remains subdued, while India continues to see strong imports, raising concerns for local producers. Meanwhile, stock levels in Burkina Faso, Chad, and Senegal are decreasing, with traders holding supplies in anticipation of better prices.

India: Sesame Sowing Increases, Imports Hold Steady

Sesame sowing in India increased to 42,000 hectares, up from 34,000 hectares last weeks, though still below last year’s 49,000 hectares. Meanwhile, imports remain high, reflecting a 20.7% year-on-year rise, with total imports reaching 150,496 metric tonnes (MT) in 2024.

Key Import Sources & Prices

• Brazil: 69,417 MT at USD 1,46 per kg
• Nigeria: 32,557 MT at USD 1,63 per kg
• Sudan: 15,655 MT at USD 1,77 per kg

Despite increased imports, domestic sesame prices remain stable:

• Natural Sortex Sesame: USD 1,54 per kg at Mundra Port
• Hulled Sesame: USD 1,94–1,96 per kg

China: Increased Sesame Imports, But Buying Remains Slow

China’s sesame imports totaled 1,182,602 MT in 2024, marking a 26% year-on-year increase. However, import activity slowed post-New Year celebrations, keeping port stocks high at 207,100 MT (up from 170,000 MT last week).

Top Sesame Suppliers to China (2024 YTD)

• Niger: 315,795 MT at USD 1,63 per kg
• Pakistan: 177,641 MT at USD 1,27 per kg
• Tanzania: 147,881 MT at USD 1,54 per kg
• Mozambique: 145,604 MT at USD 1,54 per kg

If domestic buying resumes in the coming weeks, this could lead to a global price increase.

West Africa: Falling Stock Levels, Prices Holding Steady

Burkina Faso: Traders Holding Stock

Sesame stock levels in Burkina Faso continue to decline, with traders holding onto supplies in hopes of higher prices. Prices remain between USD 1,26 and 1,31 per kg.

Chad: Limited Supply as Season Nears End

In Chad, rural sesame supplies are running low, shifting sales to trader-held stocks, where foreign buyers source directly from major markets.

Senegal: Sesame Trade Slowing

The Senegalese sesame season is nearly over, with trade slowing in Kaolack, Fatick, Kaffrine, and Tamba.

• Kaolack Port Prices: USD 1,09 per kg (↓ from USD 1,13 previous weeks)
• Casamance Farm Gate Prices: USD 0,74–0,82 per kg (↓ from USD 0,77–0,85 previous week)

Freight Rates Drop, Benefiting Sesame Exporters

Shipping costs have declined further, benefiting global sesame exporters.

• Shanghai-to-Rotterdam freight rates: -5% this week
• Shanghai-to-Genoa freight rates: -4% this week

Japan’s sesame imports remained strong, continuing a 10% year-on-year rise to 193,281 MT. Nigeria remains Japan’s top supplier, contributing 79,729 MT (up from 60,506 MT last year).

Comparison with Last Week: Key Changes

Market Trends to Watch in the Coming Weeks

• China’s sesame demand: If buying resumes, global prices could rise.
• India’s import activity: High imports could pressure domestic producers.
• West African supply: Traders in Burkina Faso and Chad are holding stocks, expecting higher prices.

The global sesame market is at a critical point, with China’s post-holiday demand being the biggest factor affecting pricing trends in the coming weeks.





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