Sesame oil and fractions market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume of sesame oil and fractions in South America expanded from 8 786 t in 2018 to 11 920 t in 2020, driven primarily by a surge in domestic production. This increase was facilitated by the adoption of the new BRS Morena sesame variety, which offers an oil content above 50% and targets the gourmet segment, boosting processing yields. Earlier, the sesame crop had gained traction among Brazilian farmers due to its drought resistance and lower input requirements, laying the groundwork for supply growth.

After stabilizing near 11 927 t in 2021, the market climbed again to 13 372 t in 2022. This growth was supported by rising global health awareness, which increased demand for organic and cold-pressed sesame oil, as well as its use in cosmetics and personal care. Concurrently, the expansion of sesame planted area in Brazil, with Canarana becoming the largest producer, secured raw material availability for oil extraction.

In 2023, however, the market volume contracted sharply to 8 261 t, with production falling to 6 603 t. During the same period, sesame seed production in the region reported a 107% increase in the 2023/24 harvest, and new product developments such as energy bars with black sesame emerged, indicating ongoing activity in the broader sesame sector.

Production sesame oil and fractions in South America

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

South America's production of sesame oil and fractions has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 10,168 tonnes, marking a sharp increase of 57.0% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production surged by 140.8%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 34.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in South America in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The market showed significant volatility during this period. Production reached its lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 1.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the output of sesame oil and fractions was valued at 28,557 thousand US dollars in South America, representing a strong increase of 11.5% compared to 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 36,131 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 29.1%, while the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 84.4%.

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

Exports sesame oil and fractions from South America

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. From 2018 to 2020, exports exhibited a peak-to-trough amplitude of 5.7 times. In 2020, South America exported 195 tonnes of sesame oil and fractions, a steep increase of 446.5% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 34 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 52.6%.

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

The export market for sesame oil and fractions in kind from 2017 to 2020 was diverse, with no single country dominating. The Netherlands accounted for 28.3% of exports in kind, Australia for 14.9%, and Mexico for 6.4%, together making up just 49.5% of total flows. The remaining 50.5% was distributed among numerous other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Exports bottomed in 2019 and peaked in 2020, with a 3.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, South America exported 549 thousand US dollars worth of sesame oil and fractions, up by 288.1% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 141 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018, falling by 42.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, there was no single dominant market for sesame oil and fractions in value terms. Australia accounted for 16.1% of exports in value, Spain for 9.6%, and the Netherlands for 6.1%, together representing only 31.8% of total exports in value. Many smaller partners each held modest individual shares.

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

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

Imports sesame oil and fractions to South America

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, South America's import volume of sesame oil and fractions declined. In 2020, imports stood at 1,947 tonnes, a substantial decrease of 19.5% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 12.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.3%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 2,418 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2018, rising by 6.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Mexico, and France were the main destinations for imports in kind of sesame oil and fractions. China accounted for 48.1% of imports in kind, Mexico for 28.2%, and France for 11.2%, together making up 87.5% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year rise, sesame oil and fractions shipments to South America from abroad declined. In 2020, imports stood at 7,746 thousand US dollars, which is 1.5% lower compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 7.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.5%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 7,865 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2018, rising by 7.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico, France, and China led as the top suppliers of sesame oil and fractions to South America in value terms. Mexico accounted for 33.3% of imports in value, France for 23.4%, and China for 21.7%, with their combined share reaching 78.4% of total imports in value.

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

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