Sesame seeds market in Thailand

Earlier Report Observations

The sesame seeds market in Thailand showed considerable volatility in volume between 2018 and 2023, moving from 40 968 t to 41 373 t with a notable peak of 45 806 t in 2019. This fluctuation was primarily driven by changes in trade flows, as domestic production held steady at 31 000 t for most of the period. The market contraction after 2019 reflected lower import levels, while a slight production increase to 32 000 t in 2023 contributed to a modest recovery.

Sesame cultivation in Thailand is characterized by traditional practices, particularly in Mae Hong Son province, where it serves as a supplementary income source after the rice season. This farming structure has helped maintain stable domestic output. In 2022, the market saw focused industry activity, including a research conference on seed development and disease control aimed at enhancing seed quality. These efforts supported the availability of high-germination and organic sesame seeds, catering to evolving segment demands.

Import volumes varied significantly, falling from over 16 000 t in 2021 to under 13 000 t in 2022 and 2023, which weighed on total market size. Simultaneously, export shipments declined from their 2021 high, reducing the net outflows. The combined effect of these trade movements led to a market volume that settled around 41 000 t by the end of the period.

Production sesame seeds in Thailand

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand ranked 24th globally in sesame seed production.

Top producers of sesame seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of sesame seeds, 2017-2020

In 2020, Thailand produced 31 000 tonnes of sesame seeds, remaining virtually unchanged from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 3.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 31 000 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred that same year at 3.3%.

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

Exports sesame seeds from Thailand

Exports in kind, t

The market showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2019 at 122 tonnes and peaked in 2017, with a 35-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Thailand exported 3 311 tonnes of sesame seeds, representing a dramatic increase of 2,619.9% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 96.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Asia, not elsewhere specified, was the dominant destination for Thailand's sesame seed exports in volume terms, accounting for 82.1% of total flows. 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 Thailand in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 392 thousand US dollars and peaked in 2017, with an 18-fold difference between these years. In 2020, sesame seed shipments from Thailand amounted to 6 549 thousand US dollars, reflecting a significant uptick of 1,568.7% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 94.4%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Asia, not elsewhere specified (69.0% of exports in value terms), the United States (7.4%), and Germany (4.9%) formed the core of Thailand's sesame seed exports by value, together accounting for 81.2% of total flows.

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

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

Imports sesame seeds to Thailand

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year uptick, Thailand's sesame seed import volume declined. In 2020, Thailand imported 14 089 tonnes of sesame seeds, marking a limited decrease of 5.6% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 11.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.8%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 14 927 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 10.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Myanmar (30.6% of imports in volume terms), India (22.0%), and Bangladesh (19.5%) were the main suppliers of sesame seeds to Thailand, together comprising 72.1% of total imports by volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Thailand's sesame seed import value was recorded at 16 509 thousand US dollars, marking a substantial decrease of 21.6% versus the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 2.1%, equating to a 0.7% annualized rate. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 15 224 thousand US dollars, while the maximum value was reached in 2019 at 21 071 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 38.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets — Myanmar, China, and Bangladesh — together accounted for 76.1% of Thailand's total sesame seed imports by value.

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

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