Sesame seeds market in Central Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The sesame seeds market in Central Asia expanded significantly from 9 221 t in 2018 to 22 780 t in 2023, more than doubling over the period. Production showed an upward trend despite fluctuations, peaking at 15 566 t in 2019 and reaching 17 801 t in 2023. Imports surged from 590 t to 4 980 t, while exports collapsed from 1 606 t to just 1 t, shifting nearly all supply toward domestic consumption.

By 2024, global factors shaped the regional landscape. Rising European demand for sesame, driven by supply shortages in India and Nigeria, opened indirect export channels. Simultaneously, a worldwide shift toward plant-based and vegan foods bolstered local demand. Currency movements and increased logistics costs further influenced trade flows and pricing within Central Asia.

Production sesame seeds in Central Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of sesame seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of sesame seeds, 2017-2020

Central Asia's sesame seed production declined after two years of growth. In 2020, the region produced 13 831 tonnes, marking an 11.1% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 100.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 26.2%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2019 at 15 566 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 52.1%.

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

Exports sesame seeds from Central Asia

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited significant volatility during these years. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with the peak volume being 11.6 times higher than the trough. In 2020, Central Asia's cross-border shipments of sesame seeds stood at 506 tonnes, showing a sharp decline of 69.7% compared to the previous year. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 669 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a growth of 1 015.6%.

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

Analysis of export volumes from 2017 to 2020 reveals a broad distribution across numerous markets. Iraq accounted for 21.9% of exports, Iran for 8.1%, and Azerbaijan for 4.7%, together representing just 34.8% of total flows. The remaining 65.2% was distributed among other trading partners.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market demonstrated considerable volatility during this period. Export values bottomed in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with the peak value being 37 times higher than the trough. In 2020, sesame seed exports from Central Asia amounted to 821 thousand US dollars, reflecting a steep decline of 70.8% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 2 813 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with growth of 1 525.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Central Asia's sesame seeds were exported to many diverse markets. Even the largest destinations—Iraq, Azerbaijan, and Iran—together accounted for only 40.6% of total export value.

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

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

Imports sesame seeds to Central Asia

Imports in kind, t

Cross-border shipments of sesame seeds to Central Asia increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 904 tonnes, representing a strong uptick of 16.1% from the previous year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 8.2%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 2.8%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 590 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 40.1%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 with growth of 31.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, sesame seed imports to Central Asia came from a wide range of partner countries. India accounted for 25.9% of imports, Russia for 8.3%, and China for 4.3%, together representing just 38.5% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market showed notable volatility during these years. Import values reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2019, with the peak value being 2.3 times higher than the trough. In 2020, Central Asia's sesame seed import value amounted to 1 594 thousand US dollars, representing a dramatic decline of 34.6% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 066 thousand US dollars, while the maximum value occurred in 2019 at 2 438 thousand US dollars. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 with growth of 128.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India accounted for 46.6% of import value, Russia for 20.7%, and China for 8.0%, together absorbing 75.3% of total sesame seed import value to Central Asia, making them the primary sources.

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

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