Sesame Prices Ease as Indian Supply Builds and Egyptian FOB Weakens

Indian and Egyptian sesame prices are edging lower in early May, with FOB offers slipping modestly as Indian summer crop arrivals increase and demand from key Asian buyers stays cautious. Weather in both New Delhi and Cairo is seasonally hot but non-disruptive, so near‑term price direction is driven more by supply flows and export competition than by field risks. Indian sesame fundamentals look comfortably supplied into June. The Indian Oilseeds and Produce Export Promotion Council reports that sesame exports for April–February 2025/26 grew by nearly 10% year-on-year, highlighting strong availability and competitiveness despite geopolitical tensions in West Asia. filecite turn0search3  Summer sowing in India is slightly above last year, with planted area up around 2% overall and 14% higher in Gujarat, reinforcing the expectation of steady flows and a buyer-friendly tone. filecite turn0search5 

Prices

Indicative export and regional prices, converted to EUR at ~0.92 EUR per USD where needed:

*Change versus early May indicative offers, based on current quotations and recent trade intelligence. filecite turn0search0 turn0search5 turn0search22 

Supply & Demand

India (IN)

• IOPEPC notes India exported about 249,600 tonnes of sesame in April–February 2025/26, up 9.7% year-on-year, underscoring robust export momentum. filecite turn0search3 
• Recent market commentary highlights a "buyer’s window" as fresh Indian crop flows meet heavy Chinese stocks, with domestic prices under pressure into June. filecite turn0search5 
• Summer sesame sowing reached roughly 507,000 ha by 1 May, +2% y/y, with Gujarat sharply higher. This suggests comfortable supply and limits upside risk in the very near term. filecite turn0search5 

Egypt (EG)

• Recent research on Egypt’s sesame trade describes a market under pressure from reduced demand and falling prices, with import values and volumes both down year-on-year into late 2025. filecite turn0search29 
• Egypt’s broader oilseed export basket to China remains relatively small but data updated in May 2026 show stable flows, indicating no major positive demand shock supporting prices yet. filecite turn0search11 
• For exporters, this means competition from African origins and India is strong, and buyers are resisting higher offers despite currency and freight cost noise.

Fundamentals & Weather

Weather outlook (next 3 days)

• New Delhi, India (IN): Hazy and very hot, 37–38°C daytime highs with warm nights around 26–28°C; no rain in the short-term forecast. filecite turn0forecast1  This is broadly normal for pre-monsoon and does not pose immediate yield risk for already established summer sesame, though heat stress is a watchpoint if it persists.
• Cairo, Egypt (EG): Mostly sunny to hazy sunshine with highs rising from ~32°C to 35–36°C and mild nights. filecite turn0forecast0  Conditions are seasonally hot but not extreme; no weather-driven supply disruption is expected in the very near term.

Global context

• Global sesame benchmarks remain soft as Chinese buyers work through ample stocks and are highly price sensitive, while India’s increased sowings and healthy export pipeline keep supply visible. filecite turn0search0 turn0search5 
• Macro risk from Red Sea and Hormuz freight routes persists, but there has been no fresh escalation in the last few days affecting sesame specifically; freight premiums are mostly already priced in. filecite turn0search5 turn0search10 

3-Day Price & Trading Outlook (EG, IN)

🗓️ Directional view (EUR-based)

• India – New Delhi FOB (natural & hulled white): Expected to trade slightly softer to sideways over the next three days as arrivals stay strong and export demand is cautious. Buyers can negotiate small discounts on larger-volume contracts.
• Egypt – Cairo FOB (natural & golden): Mild downside bias as sellers compete with Indian and African origins and demand in key Middle Eastern markets remains price-sensitive. Any rallies are likely capped by alternative supply.

🛍️ Trading recommendations

• Buyers in MENA & Europe: Consider scaling in purchases from India over the coming week, using current softness to lock in Q3 coverage, especially for hulled EU-grade material, while keeping some volume open in case of further mild easing.
• Egyptian exporters: Focus on differentiated qualities (golden, higher purity) and flexible payment terms rather than price hikes; the market tone does not support aggressive offer increases in the very short term.
• Indian exporters: With sowings up and heavy Chinese stocks, prioritize quick turnover and competitive EUR pricing; avoid building large inventories on expectations of a near-term rebound.