Sesame seeds market in Colombia

Earlier Report Observations

The sesame seeds market in Colombia remained stable around 5 000 tonnes in 2018 and 2019, despite climatic phenomena like El Niño and La Niña affecting sowing schedules and political changes impacting seed imports. Market volume dropped to 4 438 tonnes in 2020.

A further contraction to 3 553 tonnes occurred in 2021, coinciding with tightened regulation of certified seeds and social debates around Resolution 970, which restricted the use of native seeds. The market rebounded sharply in 2022, growing 34% to 4 750 tonnes, supported by the approval of Law 2204 providing a legal framework for hemp seeds and rising demand for organic sesame seeds.

Growth continued in 2023, with volume reaching 5 393 tonnes, fueled by broader market expansion driven by feed demand, population growth, and plant-based food consumption. Increased adoption of advanced technologies and sustainable practices, along with strengthened activity by key players like AGROSAVIA and Corteva Inc., contributed to this rise.

Production sesame seeds in Colombia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of sesame seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of sesame seeds, 2017-2020

Colombia's sesame seed production saw a decline after two consecutive years of growth. In 2020, production totaled 4 043 tons, marking a 12.7% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 24.9%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 7.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 4 629 tons, while the most significant year-over-year increase occurred in 2018, with a jump of 28.9%.

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

Exports sesame seeds from Colombia

Exports in kind, t

The export market for sesame seeds from Colombia exhibited considerable volatility during this period. Volumes reached their lowest point in 2018 at 10.0 tons and peaked in 2020 at 254.2 tons, representing a dramatic 26-fold increase between these two years. In 2020, exports surged by 237.8% compared to the previous year. The most substantial decline was observed in 2018, dropping by 67.9%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019, soaring by 656.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ecuador dominated Colombia's sesame seed exports in volume, accounting for 74.8% of the total. The remaining exports were distributed among various smaller trading partners.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of sesame seed exports from Colombia showed significant fluctuations during these years. The lowest point was recorded in 2018 at 1 000 US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2020 at 431 000 US dollars, reflecting a staggering 305-fold difference. In 2020, export value increased by 169.2% compared to the previous year. The most notable decline happened in 2018, falling by 73.5%, whereas the largest increase was in 2019, skyrocketing by 11 215.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Ecuador and Venezuela were the primary destinations for Colombia's sesame seed exports in value terms, together representing 91.2% of the total. The rest of the exports were spread across other countries in smaller amounts.

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

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

Imports sesame seeds to Colombia

Imports in kind, t

Colombia's sesame seed imports in volume reached 648.7 tons in 2020, showing a sharp increase of 27.9% from the year before. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 4.9%, averaging an annual rate of 1.6%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 507.4 tons, while the highest was in 2018 at 907.8 tons. The most significant decrease occurred in 2019, dropping by 44.1%, and the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 46.8%.

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

During 2017-2020, Venezuela and Guatemala were the main sources for Colombia's sesame seed imports in volume, jointly making up 81.1% of the total. Other countries contributed smaller shares to the import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The import value data indicates irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. The lowest point was in 2017, while the peak was in 2018 at 1 601 000 US dollars, showing a 1.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, import value stood at 1 320 000 US dollars, up by 15.6% from the previous year. The most substantial decline was recorded in 2019, falling by 28.7%, and the largest increase occurred in 2018, climbing by 76.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Guatemala, Venezuela, and Mexico formed the core group of markets for Colombia's sesame seed imports in value terms. Guatemala accounted for 43.9%, Venezuela for 34.3%, and Mexico for 9.9%, together representing 88.1% of the total import value. The remaining imports were distributed among other countries.

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

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