Sesame seeds market in ASEAN

Earlier Report Observations

The volume of the sesame seed market in ASEAN fluctuated between 2018 and 2023, starting at 996.3 thousand tons in 2018 before falling to 655.0 thousand tons in 2020. This sharp decline was primarily due to a sustained increase in export volumes driven by strong foreign demand, especially from China and Japan. Export shipments rose from 92.0 thousand tons in 2018 to over 150 000 tons in the 2019-2020 fiscal year, pulling substantial supply away from the regional market.

Market volume began to recover from 2021, reaching 773.8 thousand tons in 2022. This turnaround was supported by policy interventions, notably the temporary suspension of sesame seed exports implemented from May 2022 to ensure domestic oil sufficiency. The restriction limited overseas shipments and increased domestic availability. Concurrent efforts to improve seed quality through training courses on production technology also helped sustain production capacity during this period.

By 2023, the market volume stabilized at 760.6 thousand tons. ASEAN's broader economic integration and trade facilitation policies created a favorable environment for agricultural trade, while foreign demand continued to influence prices and trade flows. Although export market activity showed some sluggishness, ongoing discussions to explore new market potentials and regional digitalization initiatives under ASEAN recovery plans provided a supportive context for the market.

Production sesame seeds in ASEAN

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of sesame seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of sesame seeds, 2017-2020

In 2020, ASEAN produced 737.8 thousand tonnes of sesame seeds, representing a significant contraction of 10.2% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 13.6%, which translates to an annualized decline of 4.7%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a growth of 3.3%.

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

Exports sesame seeds from ASEAN

Exports in kind, K t

Sesame seed exports from ASEAN increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, ASEAN exported 152.6 thousand tonnes of sesame seeds, marking a substantial increase of 42.5% over the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 13.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.4%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 92.0 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 31.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China dominated the country structure of sesame seed exports in volume terms, accounting for 73.2% of total flows. Other destinations contributed relatively small shares during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

ASEAN's sesame seed exports in value terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 331.2 million US dollars, up by 27.5% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 77.5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 21.1%.

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

During 2017–2020, China concentrated 77.1% of the total value of sesame seed exports from ASEAN. The remaining flows were distributed among multiple smaller trading partners.

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

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

Imports sesame seeds to ASEAN

Imports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 5.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, sesame seed deliveries to ASEAN stood at 69.7 thousand tonnes, reflecting a decline of 2.5% compared to the previous year. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 293.4 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 75.6%, while the largest increase was in 2018, with a surge of 409.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Nigeria and India were the key sources for sesame seed imports in volume terms, jointly accounting for 81.1% of total flows. Other partners individually contributed much smaller shares.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of gains, the value of sesame seed imports into ASEAN declined. In 2020, ASEAN imported a total of 122.5 million US dollars worth of sesame seeds, which is 7.2% lower year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 49.2%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 14.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 132.0 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 31.2%.

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

In 2017–2020, the leading destinations for sesame seed imports into ASEAN in value terms were India, with 39.2% of imports, Nigeria, with 25.3%, and China, with 5.0%. Together, these three countries accounted for 69.5% of total import flows.

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

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