Sesame oil and fractions market in India

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the market volume of sesame oil and fractions in India grew from 224.7 thousand tonnes to 255.0 thousand tonnes. India entered this period as a global leader in sesame production, ranking third worldwide with stable cultivation practices and significant output from states like Rajasthan and Gujarat, providing a solid domestic supply base. The market expanded notably in 2020, contracted slightly in 2021, and then resumed growth through 2023.

In 2024, the market environment was shaped by substantial policy support with the launch of the seven-year National Mission on Edible Oils - Oilseeds, aiming for self-sufficiency. The government raised import duties on edible oils to bolster domestic demand for oilseeds, while sesame seed exports reached ₹7,000 crore, driven by international demand. Concurrently, consumer preferences shifted towards organic and cold-pressed sesame oil varieties, encouraging farmers to adopt sustainable practices and brands to emphasize natural extraction methods.

Production sesame oil and fractions in India

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, India maintained the second-highest global position in sesame oil and fractions production by volume.

Top producers of sesame oil and fractions, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, India produced 255.0 K t of sesame oil and fractions, marking a modest 9.0% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 9%, translating to an annualized rate of 2.9%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 0.8%.

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

Exports sesame oil and fractions from India

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, India's exports of sesame oil and fractions reached 10 829 t, showing a sharp 26.0% rise compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 25.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 8 593 t, while the highest was in 2018 at 11 492 t. The largest decline of 25.2% occurred in 2019, and the biggest increase of 32.8% was seen in 2018.

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

An analysis of export volumes from 2017 to 2020 reveals a wide distribution across numerous markets. Mexico accounted for 19.5% of exports, the United States for 11.5%, and Iran for 10.5%, together making up 41.5% of total flows. The remaining 58.5% was spread among other trading partners.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, India's cross-border shipments of sesame oil and fractions totaled 34 832 K $ US, representing a significant 28.4% year-over-year gain. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 77%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 21.0%. The largest decline of 1.9% was recorded in 2019, while the most substantial increase of 40.5% occurred in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Mexico, and Iran played notable but not dominant roles as buyers of sesame oil and fractions from India in value terms. The United States accounted for 16.9% of exports, Mexico for 14.4%, and Iran for 8.8%, with their combined share reaching 40.2% of total export value.

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

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

Imports sesame oil and fractions to India

Imports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Imports peaked in 2019 at 2 010 t and hit their lowest point in 2018 at 168 t, reflecting a 12-fold difference. In 2020, India imported 646 t of sesame oil and fractions, down by 67.9% from the previous year. The largest increase of 1,099.9% was recorded in 2019.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bangladesh remained the primary source for sesame oil and fractions imports to India, accounting for 80.8% of total import volume. The rest was distributed among other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports reached their highest value in 2019 at 5 026 K $ US and their lowest in 2018 at 978 K $ US, with a 5.1-fold gap. In 2020, cross-border shipments totaled 1 952 K $ US, reflecting a steep 61.2% drop from 2019. The largest increase of 413.9% was recorded in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bangladesh, the United States, and China led as the top suppliers of sesame oil and fractions to India in value terms. Bangladesh accounted for 52.7% of imports, the United States for 16.3%, and China for 12.5%, with their combined share reaching 81.5% of total import value.

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

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