The global sesame seed market is experiencing an eventful period marked by surging trade volumes, dynamic price corrections, and strategic shifts among major producing and exporting nations. Export activity is intensifying—notably between South Asia, Africa, and their primary demand centers in Asia and North America. Pakistan’s sesame exports to China have soared by an astonishing 300% year-over-year, fueled by compelling price competitiveness, while India has pushed up its cultivated area amid robust government incentives, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, Tanzania, nearing the end of its harvest season, remains a crucial supplier catering to China’s evolving procurement tactics.
Simultaneously, U.S. imports have increased—even as average prices have dropped—due to a greater supply of attractively priced Indian sesame. At the same time, price pressures and currency dynamics are challenging exporters across continents as the battle for margin and market share intensifies. Domestic Indian prices are showing resilience, signaling potential firmness in spot markets despite generally softer global prices. Looking ahead, ample supply coincides with firm demand, suggesting further competition and quality focus will define market fortunes well into the second half of 2025—and beyond.
Exclusive Offers on CMBroker
Sesame seeds
hulled
99,95%
FCA 1.76 €/kg
(from DE)
Sesame seeds
hulled
99.90%
FOB 1.98 €/kg
(from IN)
Sesame seeds
hulled, EU-Grade
99.98%
FOB 2.08 €/kg
(from IN)
📈 Sesame Seed Prices: Spot & Exchange Overview
| Origin | Product Type | Purity | Location | Price (EUR/kg) | Prev. Price | Weekly Change | Market Sentiment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chad (TD) | Hulled | 99.95% | Berlin, DE (FCA) | 1.76 | 1.73 | +1.7% | Firm |
| India (IN) | Hulled | 99.90% | New Delhi (FOB) | 1.95 | 1.96 | -0.5% | Soft |
| India (IN) | Hulled, EU-Grade | 99.98% | New Delhi (FOB) | 2.06 | 2.07 | -0.5% | Stable |
| India (IN) | Hulled, EU-Grade | 99.97% | New Delhi (FOB) | 2.03 | 2.04 | -0.5% | Stable |
Selected offers; more available here.
🌍 Supply & Demand: Global Trade and Production Dynamics
- Pakistan: Exports to China grew 300% to 46,000 MT in Jan–Jun 2025, owing to a sharp fall in average export prices from $1,670 to $1,240/ton.
- India: Sesame planting area up 4% to 744K ha. UP leads growth (68% higher YoY), while Gujarat and Maharashtra face weather-related shortfalls.
- Tanzania: Ended season with 175,000 MT auctioned, 38,000 MT in storage; Chinese buyers now procuring directly at southern auctions. Prices $1,220–$1,240/ton.
- United States: Imports up 7% (14,422 MT, Jan–May 2025), dominated by Indian supply despite a 13% drop in average price to $2,303/ton.
- India (Exports): Outbound shipments up 26% in volume but 21% lower in value ($1,705/ton avg), pressuring revenue. Biggest markets: South Korea, Vietnam, US, Iraq, China.
📊 Market Fundamentals: Inventory, Speculation & Domestic Trends
- Inventories: Ample supply globally with India, Tanzania, and Pakistan maintaining substantial stocks. Tanzania has 38,000 MT in storage.
- Speculation: Currency moves (appreciating INR/PKR, weaker TZS/EUR) influencing pricing strategies and export competitiveness in Africa and Asia.
- Domestic Markets (India): Hulled sesame (99.98%) rose to $122-123/100 kg; white sesame 98/2 climbed from $85 to $90, while 95/5 went from $75 to $80/100 kg—reflecting improved underlying demand.
☀️ Weather Outlook: Key Growing Regions
- India: Uttar Pradesh experiences favorable monsoon rains, supporting area expansion and yield. Gujarat and Maharashtra report below-average rainfall and late sowing, risking potential yield losses.
- Africa (Tanzania, Nigeria, Ethiopia): Seasonal end approaching; weather largely stable but pockets of dryness reported. May influence yield and grade in localized areas, though overall African supply is healthy.
Short-term outlook: Wetter-than-average forecast for southeast India and East Africa; growers advised to monitor for late-season downpours or pest risk.
🌏 Production & Stocks: Top Exporters & Importers (2025 H1)
| Country | Production (MT) | Exports (MT) | Inventory (MT) | Key Markets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | ~850,000* | 165,592 | High, rising | SK, VN, US, IQ, CN |
| Tanzania | ~200,000* | 175,000 | 38,000 | CN, JP, EU |
| Pakistan | ~75,000* | 46,000 (to CN) | Moderate | CN |
| US (imports) | n/a | n/a | n/a | IN, GT, PK |
*Estimates, actual totals to be confirmed post-harvest.
💡 Trading Outlook: Recommendations
- Exporters: Focus on quality (EU grade, high purity), cost control, and buyer relationships—especially with Chinese and Korean demand robust.
- Importers: Take advantage of current price softness to build short-term stocks, especially before potential tightening post-monsoon.
- Speculators: Monitor currency movements and auction trends in Tanzania; Indian domestic firmness could preempt broader recovery.
- Processors: Watch for raw material price stability; look to hedge if Indian spot prices strengthen further or if weather disrupts African output.
- All: Quality differentials (EU-grade, organic) are widening; premium market positioning is rewarded in softer markets.
📆 3-Day Regional Price Forecast
| Origin | Grade | Current Price (EUR/kg) | Forecasted Range | Forecast Sentiment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chad (DE) | Hulled 99.95% | 1.76 | 1.76 – 1.78 | Stable/Firm |
| India (IN) | Hulled 99.90% | 1.95 | 1.94 – 1.97 | Stable/Soft |
| India (IN) | Hulled, EU-Grade | 2.06 | 2.05 – 2.08 | Stable |
