Sesame Prices Edge Higher as India’s Weak Monsoon Meets Firm Egyptian Offers

Sesame seed prices from both India and Egypt are edging higher in early July, with Indian hulled grades showing the strongest week‑on‑week gains and Egyptian natural sesame also ticking up. Firm export demand and weather risk in India are supporting offers, while Egyptian FOB levels are rising in tandem but remain competitive for nearby shipments. In the next 3 days, prices in both origins are likely to stay firm to slightly higher in EUR terms. Indian sesame markets are stabilising after a sharp rally in June, but the combination of a weak southwest monsoon, recent local mandi firmness and steady export interest is preventing any downside. Egypt, meanwhile, continues to build its oilseed export profile, and domestic wholesale prices for white and red sesame have increased this week, in line with stronger international demand and a weaker local currency. With no weather shocks expected in the coming days around Cairo or New Delhi, the near‑term bias for sesame prices remains mildly upward rather than corrective.

Prices

All prices converted approximately using 1 USD ≈ 0.92 EUR for comparison.

Recent mandi data in India confirm a firm undertone, with average sesamum prices reported stable to slightly higher across key producing states as of 7–8 July 2026. In Egypt, local wholesale quotes for white and red sesame on 7 July were increased versus the previous week, reflecting ongoing strength in oilseed prices and export demand.

Supply & Demand

India remains the key price setter: market commentary over the past fortnight notes that global sesame supplies are broadly comfortable, but India’s weather‑related uncertainties and steady export flows to Asia and the Middle East are underpinning domestic prices. Traders report that export demand from Asian and Middle Eastern buyers is stable, encouraging Indian shippers to maintain firm offers despite earlier inventory overhang in China.

Egypt is gradually strengthening its role in regional oilseed trade. Recent official data show food exports, including oilseeds, remain robust, supported by stringent export controls and a focus on higher‑value products. With local sesame prices rising this week in Egyptian pounds, FOB offers in EUR terms are being kept competitive, helped by a weaker domestic currency and the need to sustain export flows into Mediterranean and Gulf markets.

Weather & Crop Conditions (EG, IN)

In India, the 2026 southwest monsoon has started weak, with rainfall deficits highlighted by government and IMD‑linked assessments, which warn of potential stress on kharif crops in rainfed areas if deficits persist. This has already been cited by trade sources as a key reason for firm sesame prices and limited downside in New Delhi spot and export markets. For the next three days around New Delhi, forecasts point to only intermittent showers after a recent spell of heavy rain, giving fields time to stabilise and not materially altering near‑term crop prospects.

In Egypt, medium‑term climate analyses underline a trend towards hotter, drier conditions, which can increase irrigation costs and stress for summer crops, including oilseeds, though large‑scale sesame production is relatively limited. Over the coming 3 days, Cairo is expected to experience seasonally hot, dry weather with high temperatures but no extreme anomalies versus the July norm, limiting any immediate weather‑driven disruption to sesame handling or transport.

Fundamentals & Market Drivers

• India: firm baseline – Commentaries in late June and early July emphasise that Indian sesame prices are holding firm as weak monsoon progress intersects with stable export demand and elevated Chinese port stocks, which cap global spikes but keep India supported.
• Egypt: export push – Weekly export reports confirm that Egypt continues to move significant volumes of food products, with oilseeds benefitting from improved compliance and logistics. Rising domestic sesame prices this week signal a tighter local balance.
• Currency and freight – A weaker Egyptian pound and firm freight rates from India both support elevated EUR‑denominated FOB offers, limiting the scope for buyers to negotiate sizeable discounts for prompt shipments.

3‑Day Outlook & Trading Guidance

Price bias (next 3 days): With no major weather shifts and ongoing monsoon concerns in India, sesame prices in both origins are likely to trade steady to slightly higher in EUR terms.

• For buyers: Consider covering near‑term needs (July–August shipments) now, especially for high‑purity hulled Indian and golden Egyptian sesame, as the risk/reward favours mild further appreciation if monsoon deficits persist.
• For sellers in India: Maintain offer discipline; avoid aggressive discounting on top grades while monitoring monsoon updates and Chinese demand for any sign of liquidation pressure.
• For sellers in Egypt: Use current firmness to lock in forward sales, but remain flexible on EUR pricing where currency moves allow, to stay competitive against Indian FOB offers.

3‑Day Regional Price Indication (Directional, EUR)