Sesame oil and fractions market in Belgium

Earlier Report Observations

The Belgian market for unmodified sesame oil experienced notable shifts in volume between 2018 and 2023. The market size dropped sharply from 1 162 tons in 2018 to 739 tons in 2019, before recovering to around 990-993 tons in 2020 and 2021. A peak of 1 103 tons was reached in 2022, followed by a decline to 916 tons in 2023. In contrast, the market value demonstrated a strong upward trend after 2019, rising from $5.4 million to $8.9 million by 2023, indicating a shift toward higher-value products.

Moving into 2024, the market was influenced by growing consumer preference for organic and natural oils, which significantly expanded the organic sesame oil segment. This demand was fueled by a focus on sustainability and alignment with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Furthermore, sesame oil saw increased application in natural cosmetics and skincare products due to its moisturizing and antioxidant properties, creating new demand channels. Concurrently, export activities to other countries impacted local availability and contributed to price increases.

Production sesame oil and fractions in Belgium

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of sesame oil and fractions, 2017-2020

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

In 2019, Belgium's production of sesame oil and fractions hit its lowest point at 615 tonnes, marking a significant 30.0% decline. However, production rebounded strongly in 2020, reaching 926 tonnes—a 50.7% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production grew by 30.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 9.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Belgium in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2019, the value of sesame oil and fractions production in Belgium dropped to its minimum of 4 195 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 29.3% decrease. The following year, in 2020, output surged to 6 887 thousand US dollars, up 64.2% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 55.6%, averaging an annual growth rate of 15.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Belgium in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports sesame oil and fractions from Belgium

Exports in kind, t

Belgium's exports of sesame oil and fractions have grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 159.3 tonnes, representing a 22.8% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports expanded by 79.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 21.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany and Brazil dominated Belgium's sesame oil and fractions exports in kind, together accounting for 80.2% of the total. The remaining exports were distributed across various other markets in smaller shares.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

For the third consecutive year, Belgium's sesame oil and fractions exports in value terms have increased. In 2020, exports amounted to 1 184 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp 33.8% year-over-year growth. From 2017 to 2020, export value rose by 114.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 28.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Brazil, and Luxembourg were the main buyers of sesame oil and fractions from Belgium in value terms. Germany led with 57.6% of exports, followed by Brazil at 18.9% and Luxembourg at 6.6%. Together, these three countries accounted for 83.1% of total export value.

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

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

Imports sesame oil and fractions to Belgium

Imports in kind, t

Belgium's imports of sesame oil and fractions in kind declined for the second year in a row. In 2019, imports fell by 35.0%, the largest drop in the period, but in 2018, they had peaked at 390.9 tonnes with a 25.7% increase. By 2020, imports decreased to 225.9 tonnes, down 11.1% from 2019. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 27.4%, with a compound annual decline rate of 10.1%.

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

During 2017-2020, the Netherlands, France, and Germany were the largest sources of sesame oil and fractions imports in kind for Belgium. The Netherlands accounted for 32.7% of imports, France for 29.2%, and Germany for 10.7%. Combined, these three countries made up 72.6% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2019, the value of sesame oil and fractions imports into Belgium reached its lowest point at 2 101 thousand US dollars, with a 15.4% decline. In 2020, imports rose to 2 492 thousand US dollars, an 18.6% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value grew by 14.2%, averaging an annual rate of 4.5%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Germany, the Netherlands, and France contributed the most to Belgium's sesame oil and fractions imports in value terms. Germany held a 40.8% share, the Netherlands 24.1%, and France 18.5%. Together, these three countries represented 83.4% of total import value.

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

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