Sesame prices edge higher on Chad origin; India, Egypt stable-to-soft

Sesame prices for Chad origin continue to firm moderately, supported by steady European demand and generally tight high-quality supply, while Indian and Egyptian offers remain broadly stable to slightly softer in international trade. Global sesame fundamentals stay demand-positive but price-capped by expanded acreage in Africa and Asia. Benchmark export-grade values remain within a relatively wide but directionally soft global band, even as consumption edges higher in key markets such as China, India and Eastern Europe. For Chad, increasing export capacity and growing recognition as a reliable African origin underpin a narrow upward bias in export quotations to Europe, with little immediate weather risk on the 3–5 day horizon.

Prices

All prices converted to EUR at an indicative 1 EUR = 1.10 USD for reference; levels are approximate and for trend indication only.

These levels align with the broader global export range of roughly 1,140–1,730 EUR/mt (USD 1,250–1,900/mt) for standard to premium grades, confirming a still-competitive position for Chad origin into Europe.

Supply & Demand

Global sesame supply in 2025/26 is broadly adequate, with world output hovering around 6.8–7.0 million tonnes and further increases expected into 2026 on the back of expanded African and South Asian acreage. Consumption growth in Asia, North America and Eastern Europe remains solid, driven by sesame oil, tahini, bakery and snack applications.

Chad has emerged as a notable African producer, with estimates around 200,000+ tonnes annually and growing export orientation, adding to regional supply but still small relative to Sudan, Nigeria and Ethiopia. Strong Chinese and Middle Eastern buying continues to anchor African export flows, while European demand is currently firm but not overheated, with some buyers using the present global oversupply to negotiate competitive forward contracts.

Fundamentals & Weather (Chad focus)

Short-term weather in Chad’s main sesame zones (Sahel–Sudanian belt) remains seasonally dry, with no disruptive rainfall events expected in the next few days, in line with typical pre-planting conditions in March. Regional climate commentary highlights more significant rainfall anomalies in other African origins rather than Chad at present.

Globally, price risks remain skewed to supply developments: rainfall variability in East Africa and the Indian subcontinent, logistics through the Red Sea corridor, and strong Chinese demand are the key watchpoints cited in recent market outlooks. Nonetheless, current reports see no acute, immediate supply shock, keeping physical availability comfortable into the near term.

Trading Outlook (next 2–4 weeks)

• Buyers in Europe: Use the modest firming in Chad FCA values as a signal to cover near-term needs, but avoid overbuying; global oversupply and soft benchmark prices still cap upside.
• Exporters in Chad: Maintain offering discipline; quality-assured hulled lots can justify a small premium versus lower-spec Asian origins, especially for EU and Eastern European bakery demand.
• Multi-origin buyers: Keep Chad and Egypt as alternatives to India to hedge against potential weather or policy shocks in South Asia later in 2026.

3-Day Regional Price Indication (Directional)

• Chad → EU (Berlin FCA, hulled 99.95%): Slightly firm bias; prices likely to hold within a +0.5–1.0% band over the next three days on steady demand and limited nearby selling pressure.
• India FOB (New Delhi, hulled export grades): Stable to marginally softer; competition among exporters and comfortable supply should prevent sharp gains in the immediate term.
• Egypt FOB (Cairo, natural and golden): Mostly sideways; minor adjustments possible in line with freight and currency moves but no strong directional driver visible short term.