Global Sesame Market Faces Pressure as China Stocks Reach 288,570 MT and Indian Demand Slows

China Sesame Stocks Approach 290,000 MT

China’s sesame inventories remain high, with total stock at Qingdao Port estimated at 288,570 metric tons during week 8 of 2026.

The inventory includes:

• Standard warehouse stock: 237,483 MT

• Non-standard warehouse stock: 51,087 MT

Elevated inventory levels at one of China’s largest sesame trading hubs indicate strong availability of supply in the global market.

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Indian Sesame Market Weakens as Demand Slows

India’s sesame market has softened in recent weeks as domestic demand declined and trading activity slowed.

Market liquidity has weakened significantly, with traders shifting attention toward other crops offering better turnover such as wheat, chickpea, coriander, and peanuts.

Current trade activity remains limited and is primarily linked to export-related transactions rather than domestic consumption.

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Gujarat Holding 10,000–12,000 MT of Old White Sesame

Industry estimates suggest 10,000–12,000 MT of old white sesame stock remains in Gujarat, adding pressure to local markets.

At the same time, Indian sesame faces reduced competitiveness in global markets as export prices remain approximately USD 150 per metric ton higher than competing origins.

In addition, Brazil’s large sesame crop of around 450,000 MT continues to weigh on international price levels.

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Summer Acreage Shifts Toward Black Sesame

Summer sowing has started in Gujarat, but acreage patterns are changing.

Key expectations include:

• White sesame acreage may decline by 15–20%

• Black sesame cultivation could increase 1.5–2.5 times compared with last year

Farmers are shifting acreage because black sesame currently offers better price realization.

Overall summer sesame production in Gujarat is projected to be 10–15% lower year-on-year, as growers increasingly allocate land to peanuts and pulses such as moong and urad.

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Pakistan Production Falls to 300,000–320,000 MT

Pakistan’s sesame sector continues to face pressure from weak farm-level prices.

Production for 2025 is estimated at 300,000–320,000 MT, reflecting reduced acreage after cultivation declined from 1.3 million acres in 2024 to around 1.0 million acres in 2025.

Lower margins have encouraged farmers to shift to alternative crops such as mung beans, canola, and maize.

Export activity during August–December 2025 remained volatile, with shipments peaking at 29,300 MT in October.

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Tanzania Crop Conditions Mixed

Crop conditions across Tanzania’s main sesame-growing regions vary significantly.

In southern coastal regions such as Lindi and Mtwara, rainfall is currently supporting vegetative growth and early flowering of sesame crops.

However, in central areas such as Dodoma, relatively dry conditions persist, making soil moisture availability critical for crops entering the flowering stage, which ultimately determines final yields.

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Japan Sesame Imports Surge While Prices Decline

Japan’s sesame imports increased significantly in January 2026.

According to import data:

• Total imports: 16,549 MT

• Average import price: USD 1,533 per MT

Compared with January 2025:

• Import volume increased 42%

• Import value rose 20%

• Average price declined 15%.

Tanzania remained the largest supplier, followed by Nigeria and Mozambique.

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South Korea Sesame Imports Decline

South Korea recorded lower sesame imports during the same period.

January 2026 imports totaled 3,671 MT, compared with 4,854 MT in January 2025, representing a 24% decline in volume.

China remained the largest supplier to South Korea, followed by the United States.

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🔎 CMB Outlook

The global sesame market currently faces several supply-side pressures.

Key factors shaping the market include:

• High inventory levels in China

• Weak domestic demand in India

• Production declines in Pakistan

• Large supply from Brazil

These developments are creating a supply-heavy environment in international markets, keeping price sentiment relatively weak.

However, acreage reductions in India and Pakistan could gradually tighten supply later in the season.

Short-term market direction will depend on:

• Inventory drawdowns in China

• Export demand recovery

• Weather conditions in African producing regions

For now, global sesame prices remain under moderate downward pressure.