Sesame seeds market in Yemen

Earlier Report Observations

The sesame seed market in Yemen expanded from 20,270 t in 2018 to 25,884 t in 2020. Initial growth was driven by increased farmer interest in sesame cultivation across several provinces, which boosted domestic output. However, the market's heavy reliance on imports—covering over 90% of food needs—became pronounced in 2019 as import volumes surged. A severe pest outbreak in 2020 devastated 90% of the crop in key growing provinces like Lahj, Abyan, and Al Hudaydah, further constraining local supply and necessitating even higher imports to meet demand.

Market volume contracted to 22,830 t in 2021, influenced by initiatives aimed at reducing import dependency through support for young entrepreneurs and women in establishing local sesame processing presses. By 2022, the market recovered to 23,814 t, fueled by rising consumer demand for locally produced sesame oil in traditional sweet shops and domestic markets, even as traditional presses struggled with wartime conditions.

In 2023, the market reached 26,728 t, supported by sesame's profitability as a crop suited for marginal lands and new cultivation zones. This economic incentive encouraged growers to adopt better agricultural practices and pest control methods, helping sustain production amid ongoing environmental challenges.

Production sesame seeds in Yemen

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Yemen ranked as the 29th largest producer of sesame seeds globally.

Top producers of sesame seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of sesame seeds, 2017-2020

Yemen's sesame seed production grew for the second year in a row in 2020, reaching 21 820 tonnes. This represented a modest 0.8% increase from 2019. However, over the full 2017-2020 period, production actually declined by 3.2%, translating to an average annual decrease of 1.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 19 676 tonnes, which saw the largest year-on-year drop of 12.7%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the biggest gain with a 10.0% increase.

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

Exports sesame seeds from Yemen

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Yemen exported 1 305 tonnes of sesame seeds, showing little change from the previous year. Looking at the broader 2017-2020 timeframe, exports rose by 31.9%, which corresponds to an average annual growth rate of 9.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Yemen's sesame seed exports were heavily concentrated, with Saudi Arabia accounting for 96.2% of the total volume shipped.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Yemen's sesame seed exports were valued at 2 693 thousand US dollars in 2020, remaining largely stable compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, however, export value surged by 281.8%, averaging an impressive 56.3% annual growth.

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

During 2017-2020, Saudi Arabia dominated as the primary destination for Yemen's sesame seed exports in value terms, representing 96.6% of the total.

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

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

Imports sesame seeds to Yemen

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes showed significant fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market. The lowest point was in 2018 at 594 tonnes, which marked a steep 89.8% decline. Imports then peaked in 2017, with the difference between the peak and trough being 9.8-fold. In 2020, imports jumped to 5 369 tonnes, a sharp 201.3% increase from 2019.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Ethiopia (37.0%), India (25.6%), and Sudan (14.5%) were the leading suppliers of sesame seeds to Yemen by volume. Together, they made up 77.1% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The import market exhibited considerable volatility. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 494 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 91.4% drop. Imports then reached their highest point in 2020 at 6 793 thousand US dollars, a dramatic 657.4% year-on-year surge. The difference between the peak in 2020 and the low in 2018 was 13.7 times.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ethiopia (40.0%), India (22.1%), and the United Arab Emirates (17.1%) were the main sources of Yemen's sesame seed imports by value, collectively accounting for 79.2% of the total.

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

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