Sesame seeds market in Western Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The sesame seeds market in Western Asia experienced steady expansion from 2018 to 2020, with volume growing from 450.9 thousand tons to 507.8 thousand tons. This increase was supported by rising imports, which reached 497.5 thousand tons in 2020, alongside growth in domestic production.

A contraction followed over the next two years, as market volume declined to 445.0 thousand tons in 2021 and further to 426.0 thousand tons in 2022. This downturn coincided with a reduction in import volumes and lower production levels.

The market rebounded sharply in 2023, with volume jumping to 544.7 thousand tons. This recovery occurred alongside significant industry developments, including BASF's expansion of its advanced Xitavo soybean seed portfolio with high-yield, herbicide-tolerant varieties for the 2024 season, reflecting broader investments in seed technology for emerging markets. Furthermore, the 2024 sesame harvest in Upper Egypt highlighted the crop's resilience to harsh conditions, while contract farming practices improved supply chain efficiency. Consumer preferences in the region increasingly favored functional, nutrient-dense foods, and industrial use in confectionery, baking, and cosmetics widened application segments.

Production sesame seeds in Western Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of sesame seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of sesame seeds, 2017-2020

Sesame seed production in Western Asia grew for the second consecutive year. In 2019, production reached its lowest point at 45 443 tonnes, with the largest decline of 11.7% recorded that year. By 2020, production had increased to 62 340 tonnes, marking a 24.4% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 21.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 6.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of sesame seed production in Western Asia showed mixed trends. In 2018, the value hit its lowest point at 135.8 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 36.1% occurring that year. By 2019, the value increased by 11.9%, but in 2020, it contracted to 146.3 million US dollars, a 3.7% decrease from 2019. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, production value fell by 31.2%, averaging an annual decline of 11.7%.

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

Exports sesame seeds from Western Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Sesame seed exports from Western Asia expanded for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 52.0 thousand tonnes, representing a 68.6% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports surged by 423.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 73.6%.

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

The export structure for sesame seeds in kind from 2017 to 2020 was diversified, with no single country dominating. Iran accounted for 23.1% of exports, Greece for 6.9%, and Germany for 5.3%, together making up just 35.3% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Sesame seed exports from Western Asia in value terms also grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 122.0 million US dollars, a 30.5% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value rose by 197.2%, averaging an annual growth rate of 43.8%.

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

The export structure in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was similarly dispersed. Iran contributed 20.1% of export value, Greece 7.2%, and Germany 6.1%, collectively accounting for only 33.5% of total flows, with the remaining 66.5% spread across various other destinations.

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

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

Imports sesame seeds to Western Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Sesame seed imports into Western Asia increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 497.5 thousand tonnes, up 11.4% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 28.4%, with an average annual increase of 8.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main sources for sesame seed imports in kind were Sudan, Nigeria, and Ethiopia. Sudan accounted for 32.6% of imports, Nigeria for 18.8%, and Ethiopia for 13.6%, together representing 65.0% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, sesame seed import value into Western Asia declined. In 2019, import value peaked at 775.0 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 23.8% recorded in 2018. In 2020, import value fell to an unspecified amount, showing a modest decline of 3.7% compared to 2019. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, import value increased by 45.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the key contributors to sesame seed import value were Sudan, Nigeria, and Ethiopia. Sudan made up 32.0% of import value, Nigeria 18.0%, and Ethiopia 15.5%, collectively accounting for 65.5% of total flows.

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

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