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Sesame Seeds

Moderate. El Nino can delay rainy season onset in the Sahel, shortening the growing window. Well-drained soils buffer against excess moisture.

Current Price

$1,900

per MT

+2.1% (30d)

Projected

$1,850 - $2,100 within 3 months

Growing Regions

Click a region for details. Circles colored by risk level, sized by production significance.

Origin Comparison

Origin	Production	Quality Notes	Price Range	Key Advantage
Nigeria OUR ORIGIN	480,000 MT/yr	High oil content (48-55%), white and brown varieties	$1,700 - $2,100/MT	Best oil yield, cost-effective
Ethiopia	300,000 MT/yr	Premium Humera white, excellent appearance	$2,000 - $2,500/MT	Premium variety, best appearance for hulled
Sudan	400,000 MT/yr	Traditional volume supplier, good quality	$1,600 - $2,000/MT	Largest African volume, competitive
India	750,000 MT/yr	Multiple varieties, competitive processing	$1,800 - $2,200/MT	Reliable supply, competitive pricing

Seasonal Calendar

Good time to buy Neutral Peak prices / low supply

Jan

buy

Nigerian harvest arriving

Feb

buy

Good supply from Africa

Mar

buy

African exports strong

Apr

neutral

Stocks adequate

May

neutral

Planting season begins

Jun

neutral

Growing season

Jul

neutral

Growing season continues

Aug

wait

Pre-harvest, prices firm

Sep

neutral

Indian harvest begins

Oct

buy

Indian/Ethiopian harvest

Nov

buy

Sudan harvest, supply improving

Dec

buy

Multiple origins available

Price Drivers

Nigerian oil content (48-55%) makes it preferred for crushing and oil extraction

Sudan/Ethiopian political stability directly affects global supply

China and Japan bakery/confectionery demand for hulled sesame

Oil prices influence demand for sesame as cooking oil alternative

Weather during the short growing window (60-90 days) in Sahel

Indian production volumes set floor for global pricing

Supply Outlook

Global sesame supply for 2026 looks balanced. Nigeria's production continues to grow, supported by expanding acreage in Jigawa and Nasarawa states. Sudan remains disrupted by conflict, removing significant volume from the premium market and supporting prices for alternative origins.

Ethiopian Humera sesame is recovering post-conflict but logistics remain challenging. India's monsoon crop was adequate, providing steady supply.

Nigerian sesame offers the best value proposition for oil extraction buyers due to its consistently high oil content. For bakery/confectionery buyers needing hulled white sesame, Ethiopian Humera remains the benchmark but Nigerian white grades are increasingly competitive.

Best Time to Buy

Best prices November-March when multiple African harvests overlap. Nigerian origin offers best value for oil extraction year-round. Ethiopian Humera commands peak premiums in Q2-Q3.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Nigerian sesame preferred for oil extraction?

Nigerian sesame seeds consistently achieve 48-55% oil content, among the highest globally. This higher oil yield means more oil per metric ton of seeds, providing better economics for crushers and oil extractors. The seeds also have a favorable fatty acid profile with high linoleic and oleic acid content.

What is the difference between hulled and natural sesame seeds?

Natural (unhulled) sesame seeds retain their outer seed coat, which can be white, brown, or black. Hulled sesame has the seed coat mechanically removed, producing uniform white kernels preferred for bakery toppings, tahini, and confectionery. Hulled sesame commands a $300-500/MT premium over natural seeds.

Can you supply organic sesame seeds?

Yes, we can source organic sesame from Nigeria and Ethiopia. Nigerian organic sesame is available from select farming cooperatives in Nasarawa state. Lead time for organic is typically 6-8 weeks, with MOQ of 1 FCL (18-22 MT depending on packing).

We Supply Sesame Seeds

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Origin Direct sources sesame seeds directly from producers in our network. We handle logistics, quality control, and documentation from origin to your warehouse.

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