India's Summer Sesame Sowing on Track

India’s summer sesame sowing is progressing well, covering 137,000 hectares by mid-March 2025, up by 2% year-on-year. In Gujarat, 59,461 hectares have been sown compared to 76,334 hectares last year. Telangana’s sowing slightly increased to 10,235 hectares. Good crop health is noted in Telangana regions such as Nirmal and Metpalli, indicating positive yield expectations. New arrivals are expected from mid-April, but sufficient old stock availability means prices will likely remain stable.

Brazil's Sesame Reaches China, Shifting Trade Dynamics

Brazil has achieved a significant milestone by gaining access to the Chinese market after years of restrictions. This opens substantial opportunities, as China is a major global sesame importer. Brazilian exports to China could dramatically alter global sesame trade patterns. The upcoming Brazil Superfoods Summit (April 7–8, 2025) aims to solidify long-term trading relationships between Brazilian exporters and Chinese buyers.

Japan's Rising Imports Prompt Stricter Quality Checks

Japan’s sesame imports rose nearly 10% to 193,281 MT in 2024. This growth brought increased compliance concerns, as violations involving aflatoxin and pesticide residues climbed from 14 in 2023 to 21 in 2024. Nigeria and Niger were primary suppliers, highlighting Japan’s reliance on African imports. Increasing quality checks could disrupt trade from certain origins, including potential restrictions on sesame from Mozambique.

India's Imports Increase but Prices Decline Sharply

India imported 42,496 MT sesame in Jan–Feb 2025, up by 5% year-on-year. However, average import prices dropped sharply by 27% to USD 1,28 per kg. Brazil was the largest supplier, providing 31,722 MT at USD 1,28 per kg, while Nigerian sesame was cheaper at USD 1,23 per kg.

International Sesame Market Price Snapshot

Overall, Brazil's sesame market entry into China is reshaping global sesame market, while India's steady sowing and stable prices offer reliability. Japan's stringent import checks could influence future trade dynamics significantly.