The global sesame market faces a pivotal moment as Korea’s Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) launches its sixth public tender of 2025 for nearly 11,000 MT of sesame seeds. This development comes amid robust regional demand and lingering tightness in global stocks—Korea’s activity is being watched closely by major exporters in Africa, India, and South America. Notably, the split between bulk and containerized cargo creates opportunities for both traditional and flexible supply chains, while the November delivery deadline coincides with Asian peak consumption season for sesame oil and related products. As both Korea and China are aggressively sourcing, exporters are encountering increased logistical pressures and price support, especially with droughts and uncertain harvest outcomes in top producing regions.
Price stability seen in the Indian market is likely to be tested by this new wave of demand, while African supply may find itself in a tug-of-war between Asian buyers. In this environment, market participants are advised to watch closely for shifts in origin premiums, weather developments, and any adjustment to exportable surpluses in India, Africa, and the Americas.
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Sesame seeds
hulled
99.90%
FOB 1.96 €/kg
(from IN)
Sesame seeds
hulled, EU-Grade
99.98%
FOB 2.06 €/kg
(from IN)
Sesame seeds
hulled, EU-Grade
99.97%
FOB 2.03 €/kg
(from IN)
📈 Latest Sesame Prices (FOB/Key Hubs)
| Origin | Type | Purity | Organic | Location | Delivery | Latest Price (EUR/MT) | Weekly Change | Market Sentiment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IN | Hulled | 99.90% | No | New Delhi | FOB | 1.96 | 0.00 | Neutral |
| IN | Hulled, EU-Grade | 99.98% | No | New Delhi | FOB | 2.06 | 0.00 | Neutral |
| IN | Hulled, EU-Grade | 99.97% | No | New Delhi | FOB | 2.03 | 0.00 | Neutral |
| EG | Natural, Golden | 99.5% | No | Cairo | FOB | 2.36 | -0.02 | Softening |
| EG | Natural | 99% | No | Cairo | FOB | 1.83 | -0.02 | Softening |
| TD (DE Hub) | Hulled | 99,95% | No | Berlin | FCA | 1.74 | -0.14 | Weak |
🌍 Supply & Demand Dynamics
- Korea Tender (TRQ): Public tender opened for 10,990 MT, arrival by November 28, 2025. Volumes spread across multiple lot types, attracting diverse shippers.
- Key Origins: Bulk of supply expected from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Sudan (Africa). India likely to capture containerized cargo.
- Regional Pull: China remains active, intensifying competition for African and Indian seed.
- Market Impact: Short-term relief for Korea; potential tightening in exporter-origin stocks as East Asian demand peaks.
🌦️ Weather & Crop Outlook
- India: Monsoon performance mixed—below-average rainfall in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh could temper yields, despite pockets of surplus elsewhere. Near-term forecasts indicate normal precipitation but heat spells persist.
- Africa: Reports of intermittent drought in East Africa (Ethiopia, Sudan); Nigeria experiencing mixed local rains. Upside risk to prices if further crop stress develops.
- South America: Stable conditions overall—no immediate threats to secondary supplier countries.
📊 Supply, Production & Inventory Overview
| Country | Est. 2024/25 Production (k MT) | Exports (k MT) | Ending Stocks (k MT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 894 | 450 | 90 |
| Nigeria | 580 | 315 | 54 |
| Ethiopia | 310 | 215 | 22 |
| Sudan | 290 | 170 | 16 |
| China | 670 | 25 | 120 |
| South Korea | 25 | 0 | 7 |
📌 Key Market Drivers
- South Korea’s TRQ tender: Sets Q4 demand and import tone for East Asia.
- Speculative Positioning: Inactive in sesame but high in related agri-markets; watch for spillovers.
- Global Inventory Tightness: Exporter stocks remain low, potential for rapid price moves on crop downgrades or supply shocks.
- China’s Imports: Large volumes secured in late-Q3; additional buying would further tighten availability.
📆 Trading Outlook & Recommendations
- Short term: Prices in India and Africa likely to remain firm through Q4, reflecting East Asian procurement and seasonal consumption spikes.
- Watch African Weather: Monitor rainfall and crop condition updates, especially in Ethiopia and Sudan—potential catalysts for further price movement.
- Monitor Cargo Flows: The split between bulk and containerized cargo may present arbitrage opportunities and impact freight.
- Buyers: Consider forward purchasing for winter delivery, particularly in East Asian destinations.
- Sellers: Stand firm on offers for high-purity containerized cargo; review position after Korea tender results.
🔮 3-Day Regional Price Forecast (EUR/MT, FOB)
| Origin/Type | Aug 30, 2025 | Aug 31, 2025 | Sep 1, 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| IN, Hulled 99.90% | 1.95 | 1.96 | 1.97 |
| IN, Hulled EU-Grade 99.98% | 2.05 | 2.06 | 2.07 |
| EG, Natural Golden 99.5% | 2.35 | 2.36 | 2.36 |
| TD, Hulled 99.95% | 1.74 | 1.74 | 1.74 |
