Sesame Seeds Market Faces Price Firmness as Global Supply Stays Tight

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The sesame market is in the throes of a bullish wave, driven by continued supply constraints across key producing regions and unwavering demand from major Asian importers. The latest South Korean state tender underscores this tone, with prices in the AFFTC’s recent procurement aligning with elevated levels seen globally. Pakistan, India, and African origins remain central to the trade flow, with awarded values ranging from US $1,290 to $1,464 per ton—well above several recent-year averages.

Supply shortfalls from India and Africa, following erratic weather and harvest delays, are fanning worries over near-term availability. Against this backdrop, buyers in China and Japan are expected to trigger fresh demand in upcoming tenders, while recent European market offers in EUR depict price stability but little scope for softening. Short-term outlooks suggest further firmness, particularly as weather risks persist in South Asia and West Africa, and speculative activity remains active on expectations of a tighter Q4 inventory. For market participants, these dynamics highlight the importance of vigilant supply chain management and timely coverage ahead of new harvests and the upcoming Asian tender cycle.

📈 Prices: Latest Global Sesame Seed Prices

Origin Type Purity Location Delivery Price (EUR/ton) Price Change Update Date
India Hulled 99.90% New Delhi FOB 1.96 0.00 2025-09-06
India Hulled, EU-Grade 99.98% New Delhi FOB 2.06 0.00 2025-09-06
India Hulled, EU-Grade 99.97% New Delhi FOB 2.03 0.00 2025-09-06
India Hulled, EU-Grade 99.95% New Delhi FOB 1.94 0.00 2025-09-06
India Natural 99.1% New Delhi FOB 1.36 0.00 2025-09-06
Egypt Natural 99% Kairo FOB 1.83 0.00 2025-09-06
Egypt Natural, Golden 99.5% Kairo FOB 2.36 0.00 2025-09-06
Chad Hulled 99,95% Berlin FCA (DE) 1.67 -0.02 2025-09-04

Market Sentiment: Firm/Bullish — prices stable to rising, limited softening expected before Q4 harvest

🌍 Supply & Demand Drivers

  • Korea’s Tender: Sixth tender awards 10,990 tons at high price levels, majority sourced from Pakistan, Nigeria, India, Tanzania, and Burkina Faso.
  • Asian Import Demand: China and Japan set to issue new tenders, foreshadowing further demand-led support.
  • Supply Constraints: Tighter inventories in India and Africa due to lower-than-expected crops and logistics disruptions.
  • European Prices: FOB offers in India and Egypt show little movement, reinforcing global price stability.
  • Speculative Positioning: Active trader interest in anticipation of robust Q4 demand and restricted supply.

📊 Fundamentals: Global Production & Stocks

Country 2023/24 Prod. (est. 000s tons) 2024/25 Outlook Notes
India 750 Lower
(drought, erratic monsoon)
Crop delays, reduced acreage
Sudan 800 Stable/Lower Recent export disruptions
Nigeria 580 Stable Main supplier to Asia
Tanzania 360 Stable Seasonal supply incoming
China (Import) n/a High Import demand rising
Japan (Import) n/a High Stable demand trend
South Korea (Import) n/a High Confirmed in latest tender

🌦️ Weather Outlook

  • South Asia (India, Pakistan): Unfavourable monsoon and heat waves threaten yield potential, harvest delays likely.
  • West Africa (Nigeria, Burkina Faso): Patchy rainfall and local flooding, but most key regions remain on track for average output; some logistics constraints due to wet conditions.
  • Sudan & East Africa: Political instability and erratic weather hinder market flows and export readiness.
  • Short-term Impact: Added upside price risk as weather-driven uncertainty persists through September.

📌 Trading Outlook & Recommendations

  • 🛑 Buyers: Consider accelerating purchases and coverage, especially for Q4 needs, before further price advances.
  • 🟢 Exporters: Hold for higher prices domestically and in key international markets unless inventory pressures mount.
  • ⚠️ Speculators: Maintain bullish bias but watch for weather-related crop updates and forthcoming Asian tenders.
  • 📦 Importers (EU/Asia): Monitor upcoming tenders in China/Japan; premiums for prompt shipments likely to persist.
  • 🔎 All Participants: Follow Indian and African weather, cargo flows, and South Korean import pace for price trends.

📆 3-Day Regional Price Forecast

Market Price (EUR/ton) Change Comment
India (New Delhi, Hulled) 1.96 ⬆️ Firm, likely steady to upward
Egypt (Kairo, Natural) 1.83 ➡️ Stable, limited supply risk
EU/DE (Berlin, Hulled) 1.67 ⬆️ Mild rebound after dip

Short-term Direction: Upward to steady, with highest risk for firming in Asian and EU demand centers.