Market Enters Transitional Phase Ahead of Chinese New Year

The global sesame market is entering a consolidation phase as major consuming regions adjust procurement strategies ahead of seasonal holidays and new crop developments.

Key themes shaping February 2026:

• China port stocks rising but buying slowing

• U.S. demand steady in volume, weaker in price

• India expanding sowing area

• EU and Japan tightening food safety compliance

• Nigeria markets softening

---

🇨🇳 China: Port Stocks Rise to 320,000 MT

China’s sesame market turned noticeably quiet ahead of the Chinese New Year (17 February 2026).

• Port inventories increased to ~320,000 metric tons

• Arrivals remained broadly steady week-on-week

• Buying activity slowed sharply as processors paused procurement

Available stocks are largely composed of:

• West African origins (Niger/Nigeria)

• Brazil

• Tanzania

Despite higher stocks, port prices remained stable, indicating balanced supply conditions rather than distress selling.

---

🇪🇺 European Union: Food Safety Risks Remain High

EU border rejection data (Jan–Feb 17, 2026) shows:

• Nigeria: 2 rejections (Salmonella contamination)

• India: 2 rejections (Chlorpyrifos residue)

Salmonella remains the key risk for Nigerian shipments, while pesticide residue compliance is the primary challenge for Indian exporters.

Food safety compliance continues to be a major commercial risk for exporters targeting Europe.

---

🇯🇵 Japan: Pesticide Residue Rejections

Japan recorded:

• Mozambique: 2 rejections

• Tanzania: 1 rejection

Detected residues included:

• Thiamethoxam

• Carbaryl

• Chlorpyrifos

Although classified as unlikely to cause human harm, the cases highlight tightening inspection regimes in key Asian markets.

---

🇺🇸 USA: Stable Volumes, Sharp Price Correction

U.S. sesame imports (Jan–Nov 2025):

• 29,914 MT, up just 1% year-over-year

• Average price fell to USD 2,188 per MT, down from USD 2,584 per MT

• Total import value declined 14%

This clearly marks 2025 as a price-correction year.

India strengthened its lead as top supplier:

• 17,497 MT shipped

• Average price realization: USD 2,007 per MT

Guatemala also increased shipments, while most origins faced weaker price realization.

U.S. demand remains stable in physical terms — but pricing power has shifted to buyers.

---

🇮🇳 India: Sowing Up 20%, Domestic Demand Weak

Summer sesame sowing in India rose 20% year-on-year:

• 6,000 hectares sown vs 5,000 hectares last year

Despite higher planting, domestic demand remains weak:

• Stockists largely inactive

• Supplies adequate from South India

• Maharashtra Rabi arrivals expected from April

In Gujarat:

• White sesame arrivals strong at 5,000–6,000 bags daily

• Premium grades reached INR equivalent levels consistent with stable demand

India Export Performance (2025)

• Sesame seed exports: 290,383 MT (+13%)

• Average export price: USD 1,759 per MT (down 16%)

• Sesame oil exports: 8,617 MT (+10%)

• Average oil export price: USD 2,924 per MT

India expanded volume despite softer global prices, demonstrating resilience and diversified market access.

---

🇧🇴 Bolivia: Volume-Led Export Rebound

Bolivia recorded strong export growth in Jan–Nov 2025:

• 18,081 MT exported, up sharply from 10,766 MT

• Export value: USD 27.7 million

• Average price: USD 1,532 per MT, down from USD 1,811

China emerged as top buyer (4,423 MT), followed by Mexico and Japan.

The decline in blended price reflects greater sales into lower-priced markets like Mexico and Peru.

---

🇳🇬 Nigeria: Market Softens Ahead of Ramadan

Northern Nigerian sesame markets weakened further:

• Prices ranged between NGN 1,000–1,100/kg

• Volumes declined in Jigawa and Nasarawa

• Activity driven mainly by trader-held inventories

Markets remain well below last year’s levels.

Farmer interest is gradually shifting toward alternative crops such as soybeans.

Short-term outlook suggests range-bound movement unless export demand revives.

---

💱 Currency Snapshot

Week-on-week currency changes (Feb 09–16, 2026):

• INR broadly stable

• Nigerian Naira slightly firmer

• Tanzanian Shilling depreciated ~1%

Currency stability has limited major price volatility in international trade flows.

---

🔎 CMB Outlook

The sesame market is in a consolidation phase:

• China inventories are high but not excessive.

• U.S. demand remains steady, but price recovery is absent.

• India’s higher sowing suggests comfortable future availability.

• EU and Japan compliance risks are increasing.

• Nigeria markets remain under pressure.

The near-term direction will depend on:

1. Post-holiday Chinese buying activity

2. Ramadan-driven demand from the Middle East

3. Export demand revival from the U.S. and Asia

4. Food safety compliance improvements in Africa

Unless a sudden supply disruption emerges, the market tone remains stable-to-soft in the short term.