Sesame seeds market in Central America

Earlier Report Observations

The sesame seeds market in Central America contracted from 110 thousand tons in 2018 to 90 thousand tons in 2023, with the most pronounced drop to 78 thousand tons occurring in 2022. This decline was driven by global supply chain disruptions and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which constrained availability and increased logistical costs across the region.

Throughout the period, the market was shaped by Costa Rica's National Seed Policy 2017-2030, which enforced strict quality and certification standards for seeds, including sesame. Additionally, the entry of international companies like Bayer, BASF, and Nutrien, establishing research centers, fostered innovation and attracted foreign investment into the seed sector.

Market volume recovered to 90 thousand tons in 2023, supported by adjustments to the seed analysis and certification system implemented by the National Seed Office, improving process efficiency. The consolidated presence of these global players also provided stability and access to advanced agricultural technologies.

Production sesame seeds in Central America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of sesame seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of sesame seeds, 2017-2020

Central America's sesame seeds production declined after two years of growth. In 2019, production peaked at 103.2 thousand tonnes, but then fell to 93.9 thousand tonnes in 2020, marking a 9.0% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 6.6%, which translates to an average annual decline of 2.2%. The largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, at 1.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Central America's sesame seeds production value declined after two years of growth. In 2019, the value reached its highest point at 241.3 million US dollars, but dropped to 200.7 million US dollars in 2020, representing a 16.9% decrease compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, the production value increased by 12.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.9%. The largest year-on-year increase was recorded in 2019, at 21.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Central America in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports sesame seeds from Central America

Exports in kind, t

Central America's sesame seeds exports increased after two years of decline. In 2019, exports hit their lowest point at 25 132 tonnes, but then rose to 28 707 tonnes in 2020, reflecting a 14.2% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 4.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.4%. The largest year-on-year decline occurred in 2019, at 7.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Japan, the United States, and Germany were the main markets for Central America's sesame seeds exports in volume terms. Japan accounted for 35.0% of exports, the United States for 30.3%, and Germany for 6.1%. Together, these three countries represented 71.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Central America's sesame seeds export value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 61 374 thousand US dollars, showing a modest 4.4% rise compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, export value grew by 25.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Japan, the United States, and Germany were the largest buyers of sesame seeds from Central America in value terms. Japan made up 35.2% of exports, the United States 32.9%, and Germany 7.1%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 75.2% of total export value.

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

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

Imports sesame seeds to Central America

Imports in kind, t

Central America's sesame seeds imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, imports peaked at 35 197 tonnes, then fell to 27 123 tonnes in 2020, marking an 11.9% drop from 2019. The largest year-on-year increase was in 2018, at 30.6%, while the largest decline occurred in 2019, at 12.5%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Venezuela, the United States, and India formed the core group of markets for Central America's sesame seeds imports in volume terms. Venezuela accounted for 27.1% of imports, the United States for 14.8%, and India for 13.5%. Together, these three countries represented 55.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Central America's sesame seeds import value declined after two years of growth. In 2019, imports reached their highest point at 61 886 thousand US dollars, but then dropped to 45 500 thousand US dollars in 2020, representing a steep 26.5% decrease from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, import value increased by 19.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.2%. The largest year-on-year increase was recorded in 2018, at 50.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three main markets—Venezuela, the United States, and India—together absorbed 56.3% of the total value of sesame seeds imports to Central America.

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

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