Free of charge

Fatal competition in the sesame seed market

February 8, 2017 at 10:00 AM , Der AUDITOR
Play report as audio

NEW DELHI. The latest import figures for Germany show that one producer is clearly beating all other competitors – despite considerable price increases. Market participants are left speechless.

German buyers are hungry for more

First estimates show that imports from India increased in 2016. More than one third of the 31,000-33,000 mt Germany imported last year originated from India. Contrary to this it seemed that India was starting to lose out to Africa in 2015. This development is even more surprising as the market witnessed considerable price increases last year. Prices even reached a similar level as in 2015 in the second half of the year. One of the main reasons for this were considerable crop damages caused by rain in India. Another driving force were the price hikes in Africa due to soaring demand in China. Traders in India gladly seized the opportunity to follow suit. The high prices only impacted demand towards the end of the year.

Sesame seed imports to Germany in mt

country

2014

2015

2016*

India

13,087.90

12,963.90

13,000.00

Nigeria

7,897.40

8,348.90

7,676.28

Paraguay

1,905.60

1,611.30

1,166.75

Guatemala

1,432.00

1,013.20

867.97

Pakistan

1,240.30

768.80

369.74

China

107,80

140.70

71.83

source: Federal Statistical Office          *estimate

 

Attention turning to sowing

The price hike continued over the last few weeks with increases of up to 80 USD/mt. This week the prices, however, remained stable indicating that the market is much more relaxed. With the harvest being completed in the southern states of Africa attention is now turning towards the preparations for the sowing of the rabi crop. Although much smaller than the kharif crop, it is very much decisive for the further development in prices. The next few weeks promise to be exciting.

Sesame seed prices India

type

USD/mt

hulled, 99.95%

1,380

natural

1,250

CIF Hamburg

 Please find attached the price charts.

Attached Files

File icon
sesame seeds hulled chart
File icon
sesame seeds natural chart

View related articles

Go to the News Overview
Grains
Jun 13, 2025
BRUSSELS. With Israel and Iran on the brink of a full-blown war the market is holding its breath. The negotiations between the US and China are causing tensions for corn and soybeans. The recently imposed EU quota for Ukrainian wheat is shifting dynamics. Drought and fires spell trouble for Canada’s canola.
Oilseeds
Jun 12, 2025
NEW DELHI/BRUSSELS. New crop estimates for sesame seeds have emerged in Gujarat, India. Harvesting is well underway in Mozambique and Tanzania. India is gaining traction in the EU.
Oilseeds
Jun 12, 2025
OTTAWA. With mustard seed production not even half as large as last year, experts predict prices to rise in the new season. For the time being, however, prices in the Canadian market are stable.
Oilseeds
Jun 11, 2025
SOFIA/KYIV. Provided that sunflower seed yields recover, experts predict a significant increase in production in the EU. In Ukraine, growers have almost completed sowing.