Sesame Market Faces Price Pressure Amid Ample Supply and Tepid Demand – Stability Expected in Near Term

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The sesame seed market continues to encounter strong headwinds, shaped by an oversupply and lackluster demand both domestically and in exports. Despite steady arrivals in major producing regions, prices at key trading centers like Gujarat’s Rajkot mandi have shown little inclination to rebound. Average-quality seeds are trading at USD 1,465–1,475 per quintal, while premium grades see quotes up to USD 1,540 per quintal. Export momentum has stalled, with traditional buyers in China and the Middle East remaining on the sidelines amid volatile edible oil markets and currency shifts.

Furthermore, abundant crop expectations in top-producing states such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh are keeping inventories comfortable and capping any upward movement in prices. Industry sentiment is wary, with traders indicating that a revival in demand—either from the domestic oil crushing sector or from overseas—will be necessary for prices to recover in the coming weeks. The market’s direction will hinge on festive season demand in India and export orders, though current fundamentals suggest continued range-bound trading. For now, with robust global and regional stockpiles and little movement in export contracts, any immediate price surge appears unlikely.

📈 Prices: Key Market Levels & Movements

Type Purity Origin Location Delivery Terms Latest Price (EUR/kg) Previous Price (EUR/kg) Weekly Change Market Sentiment
Hulled 99.90% India New Delhi FOB 1.96 1.96 0.00 Neutral
Hulled, EU-Grade 99.98% India New Delhi FOB 2.06 2.06 0.00 Neutral
Hulled, EU-Grade 99.97% India New Delhi FOB 2.03 2.03 0.00 Neutral
Hulled, EU-Grade 99.95% India New Delhi FOB 1.94 1.94 0.00 Neutral
Natural 99.95% India New Delhi FOB 1.43 1.43 0.00 Neutral
Hulled 99,95% TD Berlin FCA 1.67 1.69 -0.02 Slightly Bearish

🌍 Supply & Demand

  • India: Leading the harvest, major states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh report ample crop prospects, contributing to comfortable reserves and steady mandi arrivals.
  • Global: Slowdown in Indian exports—especially by traditional large buyers in China and the Middle East—has further deflated price support. Global edible oil market volatility and currency fluctuations have led importers to adopt a cautious wait-and-watch stance.
  • Domestic: Indian domestic demand remains flat, notably from the oilseed crushing industry, which forms a key pillar of internal consumption. Festive demand has yet to materialize at a level that would tighten local stocks.

📊 Fundamentals

  • Production: Above-average and widespread sowing in Indian key regions underpin current bearish sentiment.
  • Trade/Export: Exports are currently subdued. Buyers in China/Middle East have not stepped in with large contracts, while global edible oil price fluctuations have reduced procurement appetite.
  • Inventories: Major exchanges and traders report abundant stocks, with little evidence of aggressive stockpiling. This is reflected in stable to slightly declining prices despite fresh arrivals.
  • Speculative Positioning: Low speculative flows, with market participants mostly adopting a conservative stance until demand picks up.

🌦️ Weather Outlook

  • Indian Key Growing Regions: Monsoon conditions remain normal to favorable across Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, supporting a healthy crop outlook. No significant adverse weather is forecasted in the next 7 days, meaning harvest delays and quality losses are unlikely.
  • Global: Africa, another major sesame exporter, reports generally stable weather in Ethiopia and Sudan. No weather-related supply shocks anticipated globally.

🌎 Global Production & Stocks Comparison

Country 2023/24 Production (ths mt) 2023/24 Stocks (ths mt) Major Export Destinations
India 1,120 170 China, Middle East, EU
Sudan 870 70 Middle East, China
Ethiopia 270 35 East Asia, Middle East
Nigeria 580 40 EU, Japan, Middle East
Myanmar 460 19 China, Japan

*Data: USDA, ITC, industry estimates

📆 Trading Outlook & Recommendations

  • Sellers: Remain patient and avoid aggressive sales. Hold stocks for higher festive season demand potentially emerging in the next 2–4 weeks.
  • Exporters: Monitor Chinese and Middle Eastern demand closely for signs of bulk procurement. Secure favorable currency hedges given current volatility.
  • End Users/Buyers: Take advantage of range-bound prices to secure requirements for Q4 2025. Evaluate inventory positions ahead of the festive season.
  • All Participants: Closely monitor Indian weather patterns and onset of festival demand; price volatility will likely increase if adverse weather emerges or if export demand recovers suddenly.

📉 3-Day Regional Price Forecast

Exchange/Market Product Current Price (EUR/kg) 3-Day Forecast Forecast Direction
New Delhi (FOB) Sesame seeds, hulled 1.96 1.93 – 1.97 Stable/Soft
New Delhi (FOB) Sesame seeds, hulled, EU-Grade 2.06 2.03 – 2.07 Stable/Soft
Berlin (FCA) Sesame seeds, hulled 1.67 1.65 – 1.69 Stable/Soft

Short-term price stability is expected, with downside risks unless major demand impulses emerge.