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Sesame Seed Weekly Update – April 17, 2024

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Current Price Trends Across Different Countries

The global sesame seed market remains dynamic, with fluctuations in pricing and stock levels reflecting broader economic trends and regional developments. Here’s an updated look at the current offerings:

  • Pakistan: The price for Hybrid/Sindh sesame seeds is steady at $1,700 to $1,720 CNF for April/May shipments, maintaining last week’s price range and indicating a stable market condition.
  • Nigeria: Prices for the Lafia Sesame variety continue unchanged at $1,750 to $1,780 CNF for April/May shipments, suggesting persistent demand levels for this variety from the previous week.
  • Brazil: Despite introducing new varieties targeted at diverse industries, the price for Brazilian Whitish Sesame remains consistent with last week, ranging from $1,780 to $1,790 CNF for April/May shipments. This stability highlights Brazil’s ability to expand supply without disrupting market prices.
  • Chad: Offering whitish sesame seeds at $1,750 to $1,800 CNF for April/May shipments, Chad shows a downward adjustment from last week’s high of $1,920 to $1,940 CNF, possibly due to market recalibrations based on supply-demand assessments.
  • Sudan: The Gadaref Sesame Premium quality seeds see a price reduction to $1,750 to $1,800 CNF from last week’s $1,920 to $1,940 CNF, reflecting adjustments in response to global demand fluctuations.
  • Burkina Faso: Prices for both whitish and mixed sesame varieties have escalated to $1,920 to $1,940 CNF for April/May shipments, up from $1,800 to $1,810 CNF last week, indicating an increased demand or possibly decreased supply from Burkina Faso.

Major EU Countries Importing Sesame from India

Recent import trends into the EU show a continued preference for high-quality sesame seeds:

Greece: Remains the top importer with consistent figures from last week, importing 198 tons valued at $491,000, with an average price of $2,480 per metric ton.

The Netherlands: Follows with 165 tons at $421,000, equivalent to an average price of $2,555 per metric ton, maintaining its position from the previous update.

Germany: Continues to selectively import premium quality sesame seeds totaling 78 tons, mirroring last week’s high-value orientation.

Sweden: Commands the highest average price among the listed countries at $3,041 per metric ton for their 65-ton import, consistent with the premium pricing noted last week.

Mintec Global

China’s Import Trends

April 2024 revealed no new shifts from the previous week, with China maintaining a diverse import portfolio and integrating advanced processing technologies for new Brazilian crops.

Market Situation in China

Qingdao Port: The stock levels have risen to approximately 189,603 MT from 183,056 MT last week, a significant inventory buildup indicating strategic market positioning despite weak current demand.

India’s Production and Export Outlook

With ongoing competition, notably from Brazil’s competitively priced offerings at $1,450/MT, the Indian sesame market is under substantial pressure:

  • Forecast: Anticipated reductions in crop size and export volumes, with expectations to adjust down from the usual 260,000-270,000 MT to 220,000-250,000 MT for this season, reflecting a strategic response to global pricing pressures.

Tanzania and Mozambique’s Harvest Outlook

  • Tanzania: The harvest forecast remains robust at 140,000 MT, consistent with projections from the previous week, thanks to favorable weather conditions.
  • Mozambique: Despite Cyclone Freddy, an early and promising yield of 85,000 to 90,000 MT is expected, similar to last week’s forecast, indicating resilience in agricultural productivity.

Impact of the Red Sea Crisis

The crisis continues to necessitate logistical adaptations, echoing last week’s insights into the strategic shifts required to mitigate the impact on global sesame seed distribution.

This week’s update underscores the nuanced shifts in the sesame seed market, with certain regions experiencing price adjustments while others maintain stability. As global conditions evolve, these insights are crucial for stakeholders to navigate the complexities of the sesame seed trade effectively. Stay tuned for next week’s report for the latest updates and deeper market analyses.