Sesame seeds market in China

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the volume of China's sesame seed market grew from 1 218 thousand tons to 1 582 thousand tons. This expansion was supported by government programs promoting agricultural technology and farmer training, which helped boost domestic production. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic weakened consumer demand, but a concurrent drop in global sesame prices made imports more attractive, leading to increased inbound volumes. The following year, a reduction in worldwide sesame planting area tightened supply, while growing consumer preference for healthy eating spurred demand for sesame seeds and sesame oil, further driving market growth.

After peaking in 2021, the market volume contracted to 1 461 thousand tons in 2022 and 1 325 thousand tons in 2023, coinciding with a decrease in imports. By 2024, the market saw the entry of major brands like Jinlongyu into the sesame oil segment, though the industry remained fragmented with many small-scale processors. A sharp rise in international sesame prices led to reduced import arrivals and firm domestic prices. Meanwhile, consumer demand for healthy foods continued to rise, fueling markets for sesame oil and paste, while the RCEP agreement supported sustained export activity.

Production sesame seeds in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China ranked seventh globally in sesame seed production.

Top producers of sesame seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of sesame seeds, 2017-2020

China's sesame seed production declined after two years of growth. In 2020, output reached 456.9 K t, down 2.2% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 24.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.6%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 467.0 K t, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 17.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Sesame seed production in China declined following two years of expansion. In 2020, the output value stood at 866.5 M $ US, representing a 4.5% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value grew by 30.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.3%. The peak value was achieved in 2019 at 907.1 M $ US, and the most significant annual increase took place in 2018 at 22.7%.

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

Exports sesame seeds from China

Exports in kind, K t

China's sesame seed exports decreased after two years of growth. In 2020, exports totaled 44 K t, marking an 11.9% decline from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 22.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.0%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 50 K t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 20.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Korea was the primary destination for China's sesame seed exports in volume terms, accounting for 84.3% of total shipments. The remaining share was distributed among several smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Sesame seed exports from China declined after two years of growth. In 2020, export value reached 84 M $ US, reflecting a 14.0% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 28.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 8.7%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 97 M $ US, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 23.7%.

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

During 2017-2020, China's sesame seed export value was heavily concentrated on South Korea, which accounted for 84.5% of total flows. Other trading partners made up the remainder.

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

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

Imports sesame seeds to China

Imports in kind, K t

China's sesame seed imports increased in 2020, reaching 1 016 K t, up 25.0% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 42.7%, with an annualized rate of 12.6%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 1.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Sudan (24.9% of import volume), Ethiopia (18.7%), and Niger (17.2%) were the largest suppliers of sesame seeds to China, together accounting for 60.8% of total imports in volume terms.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

China's sesame seed import value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 1 272 M $ US, up 5.7% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value grew by 73.4%, with an annualized rate of 20.1%.

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

Over 2017-2020, Sudan (24.7% of import value), Ethiopia (19.6%), and Niger (16.5%) remained the leading sources in China's sesame seed import structure, collectively representing 60.9% of total flows.

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

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