Sesame oil and fractions market in Asia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the sesame oil market in Asia showed variable dynamics, reaching 904 thousand tons in 2020. This increase was driven by continued demand for natural and minimally processed oils in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries across the region. Concurrent investments in cold-pressing and refining infrastructure enhanced production efficiency and oil quality, supporting the market's expansion.

Following a contraction to 864 thousand tons in 2021, the market volume stabilized in 2022 and grew to 889 thousand tons in 2023. This recovery was supported by the development of high-protein sesame seed varieties, which improved product quality for plant-based foods, and a growing consumer preference for white sesame oil in major markets like India and the U.S. The international expansion of Asian brands, such as Kadoya, focusing on pharmaceutical-grade quality and nutraceutical applications, further contributed to the market's growth during this period.

Production sesame oil and fractions in Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of sesame oil and fractions, 2017-2020

World map of production of sesame oil and fractions, 2017-2020

In 2019, Asia's production of sesame oil and fractions reached its lowest point at 871.8 thousand tonnes, marking a 2.0% decline. However, production rebounded in 2020 to 922.6 thousand tonnes, representing a modest 5.8% increase from the previous year. Over the entire period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 4.5%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 1.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2018, the value of sesame oil and fractions production in Asia peaked at 5 539 million US dollars, reflecting a substantial 22.4% increase. The following year saw the largest decline of 16.4%, but production recovered in 2020 to reach 4 775 million US dollars, showing a moderate 3.1% rise compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, the overall increase was 5.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports sesame oil and fractions from Asia

Exports in kind, t

Asia's exports of sesame oil and fractions have grown for two consecutive years. In 2018, exports hit their lowest point at 21 019 tonnes, declining by 11.5%. However, they surged by 28.0% in 2019 and continued to rise in 2020, reaching 31 174 tonnes—a robust 15.9% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports expanded by 31.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Asia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Asia's exports of sesame oil and fractions were distributed across a wide range of partners. The United States accounted for 27.0% of exports in volume, Canada for 7.5%, and Australia for 3.5%. Together, these three countries represented 38.0% of total flows, while the remaining 62.0% was supplied to numerous other countries, highlighting the diverse nature of the export market.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Asia's cross-border shipments of sesame oil and fractions have increased for three consecutive years. In 2020, exports reached 161.4 million US dollars, showing a robust 12.9% rise compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 32.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the largest buyer of sesame oil and fractions from Asia in value terms, accounting for 36.9% of exports. Canada followed with 7.3%, and Australia with 5.2%. Together, these three countries made up 49.4% of total export value, but they did not dominate the market, as many smaller partners contributed to the remaining 50.6%.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Asia in value, 2017-2020

Imports sesame oil and fractions to Asia

Imports in kind, t

In 2019, Asia's imports of sesame oil and fractions fell to their lowest level at 10 015 tonnes, declining by 24.9%. However, imports rebounded in 2020 to 12 438 tonnes, representing a strong 24.2% increase year-over-year. The peak was recorded in 2018 at 13 328 tonnes. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 10.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Asia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Asia's imports of sesame oil and fractions came from a variety of suppliers. Asia, not elsewhere specified, accounted for 6.5% of imports in volume, Mexico for 3.1%, and Sudan for 1.5%. Together, these three sources represented 11.1% of total imports, indicating that the majority of supplies originated from a broad range of other countries.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2019, Asia's imports of sesame oil and fractions in value terms saw the largest decline of 6.5%. However, imports recovered in 2020, totaling 77.2 million US dollars—a 16.5% increase from the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2018 at 17.5%. From 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 28.1%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 8.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, sesame oil and fractions were imported into Asia from a diverse set of markets. Asia, not elsewhere specified, contributed 4.3% of imports in value, Mexico 3.9%, and the United States 2.9%. Together, these three sources accounted for only 11.1% of total import value, while the remaining 88.9% came from many smaller destinations, underscoring the fragmented nature of the import market.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Asia in value, 2017-2020