China: Increased Sesame Inventory
- As of May 30, the inventory of imported sesame at Qingdao Port’s main warehouses stood at approximately 228,000 MT.
- This represents a 2.43% increase compared to the previous month, with an additional 5,400 MT.
- Year-on-year, the inventory rose by 41.44%, equating to an increase of 66,800 MT.
- Last month’s stock was around 223,364 MT, reflecting a gradual rise in inventory levels.
- Prices for Togo white sesame have declined from $2,010 to $1,930 per kg, showing weakening demand.
- Tanzanian South and Nigeria mixed varieties have also experienced price reductions, impacting the overall market.
India: Harvest and Market Dynamics
- Gujarat’s summer sesame crop estimate for this year is around 125,000 MT.
- About 40 to 50 percent of this has been harvested, with daily market arrivals averaging around 4,000 MT.
- Local market prices for Sortex sesame range between $1,74 to $1,78 per kg.
- International prices range from $1,720 to $1,750 per kg, indicating a healthy harvest and active trading.
- In West Bengal, new sesame arrivals have started, surpassing last year’s quantity.
- The quality is reported to be excellent, and increased arrivals are expected in the coming days.
Brazil and Pakistan: Ongoing Harvests and Exports
- In Brazil, the sesame harvest has commenced, with 10 to 15 percent already harvested.
- The expected production is between 130,000 and 140,000 MT.
- Approximately 70 percent of Brazil’s sesame has already been sold internationally.
- Market prices range from $1,520 to $1,540 per kg for regular ports.
- Prices start at $1,750 per kg for shipments to Europe.
- Pakistan has begun sowing sesame, anticipating a larger crop due to increased global demand.
- Timely rains are crucial to prevent crop damage.
- April 2024 saw Pakistan exporting 4,226 MT of sesame, valued at $5,361 million, a decrease from March’s 4,715 MT worth $6,158 million.
- Forward prices for the anticipated bumper crop arriving in August-September range from $1,580 to $1,600 per kg.
Tanzania: Harvest and Export Trends
- Tanzania’s expected sesame crop size is around 140,000 MT.
- Harvesting has begun in the Songwe region and other areas, with export activities starting at the end of May.
- Tanzania achieved its highest sesame export volume in four years in 2023, reaching 155,000 MT, with 2024 projections around 150,000 MT.
- Current offer prices are mixed sesame at $1,650 to $1,680 per kg, white sesame at $1,700 to $1,730 per kg, and South sesame at $1,730 to $1,750 per kg.
Summary of Global Market Offers
Various countries are actively engaged in the sesame market with competitive prices. India’s white Sortex sesame is offered at $1,800 to $1,820 per kg FOB for June or July shipments. Ethiopia’s CNF prices range from $2,000 to $2,100 per kg. Togo’s white sesame is priced between $1,830 and $1,850 per kg CNF, while Tanzania offers mixed sesame at $1,650 to $1,680 per kg and white sesame at $1,700 to $1,730 per kg.
The global sesame market is showing significant activity with varying trends across regions. China’s inventory increase, South Korea’s successful tenders, India’s strong harvest, Brazil’s ongoing exports, Pakistan’s sowing progress, and Tanzania’s robust export activity highlight a dynamic market landscape. These developments suggest a well-supplied market with steady trade flows, offering opportunities for buyers and sellers worldwide. Comparing this week’s data to previous reports reveals continued growth and adjustment in stock levels and pricing, reflecting an adaptive market responding to global demands and conditions.