Sesame oil and fractions market in Yemen

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, sesame oil production in Yemen increased from 5 645 t to 6 710 t, and market volume grew similarly, supported by high consumer demand for natural, chemical-free oil used in cooking and traditional medicine despite rising prices. Local initiatives to support sesame cultivation and provide equipment such as solar generators helped boost output. In 2020, production continued to rise to 6 862 t, but market volume dropped to 6 281 t due to increased exports, as growing international demand, especially in Gulf markets, diverted supplies abroad.

In 2021, production fell to 6 025 t and market volume declined to 5 274 t, largely driven by chronic electricity shortages and rising production costs, including rent and fuel, which constrained traditional press operations. The depreciation of the Yemeni rial also contributed to higher input prices. By 2022, production recovered slightly to 6 086 t and market volume stabilized at 5 298 t, partly due to ongoing local projects to promote sesame farming, although high operating expenses continued to threaten the sustainability of many traditional producers.

In 2023, production reached 6 715 t and market volume grew by 23% to 6 515 t. This notable rise was underpinned by increasing investment interest in the sector after feasibility studies showed the profit potential of sesame oil presses. Expectations of government support and strong domestic and foreign demand drew attention to expansion opportunities, leading to greater production capacity.

Production sesame oil and fractions in Yemen

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Globally, Yemen ranked as the 23rd largest producer of sesame oil and fractions from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of sesame oil and fractions, 2017-2020

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

Yemen's production of sesame oil and fractions grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 6 862 tonnes, marking a 2.3% increase from the previous year. However, over the entire 2017-2020 period, production fell by 12.5%, which translates to an average annual decline of 4.4%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 5 645 tonnes, when output dropped sharply by 28.0%. This was followed by a significant rebound in 2019, with production rising by 18.9%.

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

Exports sesame oil and fractions from Yemen

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Yemen exported 795.2 tonnes of sesame oil and fractions, showing little change from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 12.6%, averaging an annual growth rate of 4.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia was the dominant export partner for Yemen's sesame oil and fractions in volume terms, accounting for 97.6% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Yemen's exports of sesame oil and fractions in value terms reached 1 680 thousand US dollars in 2020, remaining relatively stable compared to 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, export value declined by 9.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Saudi Arabia was overwhelmingly the main destination for Yemen's sesame oil and fractions exports in value terms, representing 95.5% of the total.

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

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

Imports sesame oil and fractions to Yemen

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes of sesame oil and fractions into Yemen showed significant volatility during this period. Imports hit their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a dramatic 4 568-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Yemen imported a total of {value_last_year} tonnes, reflecting a sharp year-on-year decrease of 99.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports of sesame oil and fractions into Yemen in volume terms were almost entirely sourced from Saudi Arabia, which held a 96.5% share.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The import value of sesame oil and fractions into Yemen displayed an unstable trend from 2017 to 2020. Imports reached their lowest level in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 24-fold amplitude between these extremes. In 2020, Yemen imported approximately 424 thousand US dollars worth of these products, representing a 94.7% drop from the previous year.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Saudi Arabia was by far the primary source for Yemen's imports of sesame oil and fractions in value terms, accounting for 91.5% of total imports.

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

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