The global sesame market is currently experiencing significant upward pressures stemming from a convergence of tight supply and robust demand, especially across East Asian markets. The latest South Korean sesame tender underscores the growing competition among importers, with bid ranges across product categories (P1–P4) coming in notably high at US $1,290–1,474 per metric ton. This reflects ongoing concerns over low global inventories in key origins such as India, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Sudan. Weather-related production issues in India and East Africa, coupled with persistent logistical challenges, have sustained elevated offer prices and heightened market volatility.
Importers in China, Japan, and the Middle East remain aggressively active, driving a pronounced firming in both new tender bids and FOB values. With market sentiment pointing to further upward risk, South Korea’s procurement strategies are being watched closely, as finalized results are expected to influence Q4 benchmarks in both containerized and bulk shipments. Notably, market participants are urging early contract commitments to avoid anticipated supply squeezes and price rallies amid continued weather uncertainty in producing regions. Key takeaways from current market fundamentals point to limited relief on the supply side, while demand-side forces are expected to remain a dominant influence in the months ahead.
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Sesame seeds
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Sesame seeds
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99.98%
FOB 2.06 €/kg
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Sesame seeds
hulled, EU-Grade
99.97%
FOB 2.03 €/kg
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📈 Prices
| Exchange/Market | Product Type | Origin | Purity | Terms | Latest Price (EUR/MT) | Weekly Change | Sentiment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Delhi (Spot) | Hulled | IN | 99.90% | FOB | 1.96 | 0.00 | Bullish |
| New Delhi (Spot) | Hulled, EU-Grade | IN | 99.98% | FOB | 2.06 | 0.00 | Bullish |
| New Delhi (Spot) | Hulled, EU-Grade | IN | 99.97% | FOB | 2.03 | 0.00 | Bullish |
| New Delhi (Spot) | Hulled, EU-Grade | IN | 99.95% | FOB | 1.94 | 0.00 | Bullish |
| South Korea Tender (Unofficial) | P1 | – | – | – | 1,290–1,404 (USD) | – | Bullish |
| South Korea Tender (Unofficial) | P2 | – | – | – | 1,457–1,474 (USD) | – | Bullish |
🌍 Supply & Demand
- Supply: Global sesame inventories remain tight, particularly in India, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Sudan. Droughts and erratic rainfall have reduced yields in both South Asia and East Africa, lowering exportable surpluses.
- Demand: Firm import demand from China, Japan, South Korea, and the Middle East continues to support prices at current highs. Asian tenders are increasingly competitive.
- Logistics: Ongoing logistical constraints, especially out of East African ports, are slowing trade flows and exacerbating supply tightness.
📊 Fundamentals
- FOB prices for top grades out of India have stabilized at elevated levels; little week-on-week movement due to stable local demand and strong export bookings.
- South Korean tender bid ranges closely match global FOB offers, pointing to convergence between spot and forward market pricing.
- Speculative buying remains limited as end-user demand dominates, but continued price firmness is likely should supply risks accelerate.
- Historical comparison: Last quarter’s pricing was approximately 7–9% lower, reflecting the progressive escalation of supply pressures and rise in Asian procurement.
⛅ Weather Outlook
- India: Monsoon patterns have proven erratic in sesame-growing regions, with recent bouts of dryness threatening late-season yields in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
- Africa: Parts of Sudan and Nigeria are struggling with below-average rainfall, raising concerns about quality as well as total output.
- Global impact: If weather conditions do not improve, further reduction in yield and export volumes is likely, adding upward price pressure through Q4.
🌏 Global Production & Stocks
| Country | 2024 Output Estimate (‘000 MT) | 2023 Output (‘000 MT) | Stock Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 660 | 710 | Falling |
| Ethiopia | 280 | 315 | Falling |
| Nigeria | 520 | 545 | Falling |
| Sudan | 285 | 335 | Falling |
| China (Import) | 1,000* | 950* | Rising |
*Imports, not production.
💡 Trading Outlook & Recommendations
- Importers should lock in contracts for Q4 delivery as soon as possible, as auction/tender dynamics and weather remain highly uncertain.
- Sellers holding premium grades (EU-Grade, organic, or sorted lots) are likely to achieve further price gains, especially for prompt containerized shipments.
- Bulk cargo buyers should monitor origin differentials closely; competitive offers may emerge depending on available surpluses and logistical developments.
- Monitor South Korean tender results as a near-term price reference for Asian demand levels and premium structuring.
📆 3-Day Regional Price Forecast
| Market | Product | Current Price (EUR/MT) | Forecast Range | Sentiment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Delhi FOB | Hulled, EU-Grade | 2.06 | 2.05–2.09 | Bullish |
| New Delhi FOB | Natural | 1.36 | 1.36–1.40 | Bullish |
| Cairo FOB | Natural, Golden | 2.36 | 2.32–2.38 | Bullish |
| South Korea (Tender, USD) | P1–P4 | 1,290–1,474 | Stable to Firm | Bullish |
