Japan and EU Raise Concerns over Sesame Quality

Japan rejected four sesame shipments in early 2025:

• Mozambique (3 cases): High levels of thiamethoxam and carbaryl.
• Bolivia (1 case): Contaminated with Haloxyfop.

Authorities noted the residues aren't a major health threat, but they remain a serious concern for importers.

EU Rejects More Sesame Imports

From January 3 to March 5, 2025, the EU turned away several sesame shipments due to issues like Salmonella, pesticide contamination, and missing health certificates.

EU rejections increased from 25 last week to 27 this week. Sudan had the most rejections.

Ethiopia Maintains Stable Sesame Exports

Ethiopia produced about 150,000 MT of sesame in 2024, with exports already between 120,000–130,000 MT. Around 20,000–30,000 MT remain in stock.

Export Prices (FOB, March 2025):

• Humera Sesame: USD 1.64–1.70 per kg
• Ministry of Trade Index: USD 1.70 per kg

Export volumes and prices stayed steady compared to last week.

China’s Sesame Inventory Rises at Qingdao Port

China’s sesame stock at Qingdao Port reached 268,221 MT on March 10, a 9% increase from 240,000 MT in late February. The higher stocks indicate weaker immediate demand, with future buying dependent on local consumption rates.

Sesame Crop Progress in Major Producing Regions

Tanzania: Sowing nearly finished; dryness could impact yields.

Mozambique: Sowing completed in Beira; still ongoing in Nacala. Key provinces: Nampula, Sofala, Cabo Delgado, Zambezia.

India: Gujarat's sesame area reached 78,400 hectares, a slight 2% rise from last year.

Global Sesame Prices Stable, Slight Drops in Select Markets

Pakistan and Burkina Faso saw price reductions due to improved availability. Other markets remained steady.

Sesame Import Activity

• South Korea: Imports jumped 761% in January 2025 (4,854 MT), averaging USD 2.15 per kg.
• Canada: Sesame imports dropped 3%, totaling USD 25.7 million for 2024.

Turkey’s Sesame Exports Drop Sharply

January exports declined by 63% (1,462 MT), impacted by reduced demand from Italy, Germany, Greece, and the USA.

India’s Sesame Market Prices (March 7, 2025)

Rajkot prices increased notably due to higher local demand, while others slightly decreased.

Upcoming Industry Event

Brazil will host the Superfoods Summit on April 7–8, 2025, in Brasília, covering sesame market developments, pricing, and networking opportunities.

Market Expectations

• China’s growing sesame stock suggests low immediate demand.
• Increased rejections in Japan and the EU underline ongoing quality concerns.
• Cyclone Jude may significantly impact Mozambique’s sesame harvest.
• Varied import patterns from South Korea and Canada indicate shifting market conditions.

Monitoring China’s demand and Mozambique’s crop status will be important for understanding future sesame price movements.