Global Sesame Market Report

Executive Summary

The global sesame market is currently in a transitional phase, marked by weak pricing trends, ample inventories in key consuming markets, and emerging supply-side risks.

While China’s high stock levels and declining US import prices are exerting downward pressure, production concerns in Brazil and stable output from Ethiopia are expected to shape market direction in the coming months.

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China Market: High Stocks Weigh on Prices

China continues to hold significant sesame inventories, with stocks at Qingdao Port estimated at:

• 279,261 tonnes (Week 11, 2026)

  • Standard warehouses: 222,644 tonnes

  • Non-standard warehouses: 56,617 tonnes

These elevated stock levels indicate adequate supply coverage, limiting immediate upside in global prices.

👉 Market Insight:
China’s buying activity may remain subdued in the short term unless stock levels decline meaningfully.

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USA Market: Stable Demand, Sharp Price Correction

The US sesame market reflects stable consumption but weaker pricing:

• Imports (2025): 32,329 tonnes (↓ ~1% YoY)

• Average import price: $2,177/tonne (↓ ~16%)

India remains the dominant supplier, while Guatemala continues to gain share. Some origins like Pakistan and Nigeria saw reduced participation.

👉 Market Insight:
The sharp drop in prices suggests buyer resistance at higher levels and increased availability of competitively priced origins.

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India Market: Stable Sowing with Regional Strength

India’s summer sesame sowing shows minor decline overall, but regional divergence is notable:

• National sowing: ↓ 4.8% YoY

• Gujarat sowing: ↑ 14.7% YoY

The increase in Gujarat, a key producing state, supports expectations of adequate near-term supply.

👉 Market Insight:
Despite a marginal national decline, regional gains could offset supply concerns, keeping domestic availability stable.

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Ethiopia: Stable Production and Firm Pricing

Ethiopia continues to play a stabilizing role in global supply:

• Production: 280,000–300,000 tonnes

• Exports: 140,000–160,000 tonnes

• Prices: $1,300–1,320/tonne (FOB)

However, local availability is gradually tightening as the season progresses.

👉 Market Insight:
Ethiopia remains a reliable origin, but seasonal tightening could support prices in later months.

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Brazil: Major Supply Risk Emerging

Brazil is currently the most critical supply-side risk in the global sesame market.

Key Developments:

• Sowing area decline: 30–35% YoY

• Production risk: ↓ 40–50% YoY

• Delayed planting: ~30 days due to rainfall

• Shift to alternative crops (corn, pasture)

Key Risks:

• Reduced yield due to late sowing

• Moisture stress if rains end early

• Lower farmer participation due to weak price signals

👉 Market Insight:
Brazil’s potential production decline could tighten global supply significantly in the second half of the year, supporting prices.

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Bolivia: Volume Growth, Price Pressure

Bolivia has adopted a volume-driven export strategy:

• Exports (2025): 18,733 tonnes (↑ 74% YoY)

• Average price: $1,527/tonne (↓ ~16%)

Major buyers include:

• China

• Mexico

• Japan

👉 Market Insight:
Aggressive pricing is helping Bolivia expand market share but adds downward pressure on global prices.

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Price Trends: India Market Snapshot

Domestic sesame prices show mixed trends:

• White sesame: ↑ 2–4%

• Black sesame: ↓ 7–9%

This reflects:

• Export demand differences

• Quality-based pricing variations

👉 Market Insight:
Price divergence suggests selective demand strength, particularly for export-quality white sesame.

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Market Outlook

The global sesame market is expected to remain volatile in the near term, driven by opposing factors:

Bearish Factors:

• High China inventories

• Falling international prices

• Competitive exports (Bolivia)

Bullish Factors:

• Brazil production risks

• Seasonal tightening in Ethiopia

• Stable demand from key importers