CMB Market Report – China Boosts Sesame Imports; Indian Share Drops on Higher Pricing

🔵 Executive Summary

China’s sesame import demand strengthened in the first nine months of 2025, increasing 33% year-on-year to 1.11 million metric tons (MT). However, weaker global buying sentiment and competitive pricing from African origins have pushed average import values down 17% to USD 1,381 per MT.

While African exporters expanded market share, India’s shipments to China declined sharply, reflecting cost challenges and limited price competitiveness.

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🌍 1 | Import Volumes by Origin (Jan–Sep 2025)

Niger remains the dominant supplier, while Tanzania, Togo, and Ethiopia continue to improve export position through competitive pricing and stable logistics.

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💹 2 | Price Trends

• Import average: USD 1,381/MT (-17% YoY)

• India remains among the costliest origins, impacting buyer uptake.

• Hulled sesame from India continues to trade at a premium, limiting volume growth.

Traders report strong buyer preference for competitive origins with stable quality and lower freight risk.

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🛢️ 3 | China’s Sesame Oil Export Activity

China exported 6,564 MT of sesame oil during the period — a 3% YoY increase.
Average export value reached USD 4,459/MT.

Top destinations:

China continues to strengthen its processed sesame footprint globally.

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🧭 CMB Outlook

Without price adjustments or logistics incentives, India may continue losing share to African suppliers and emerging South American origins.