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Summary
Global demand for sesame is expected to grow steadily in 2026, driven by food, health, and plant-based consumption. However, ample supplies, expanding production in Asia and Africa, and rising availability of organic and speciality grades are likely to keep prices under pressure, making it a largely buyer-driven market.
Sesame Demand Expands Across Food and Health Segments
Sesame consumption is set to rise in 2026, supported by steady growth across bakery, confectionery, snacks, edible oils, and ethnic cuisines. The shift toward health foods and plant-based diets is expected to accelerate demand, particularly in developed and urban markets.
The global sesame market value is projected to increase in line with a broader 2025–2030 CAGR of 2–5 per cent. Growth is expected to be stronger in value-added applications such as sesame extracts, nutraceutical ingredients, and cosmetic uses, where expansion is likely to remain in the high single digits.
Comfortable Global Supplies Could Cap Prices
Despite improving demand, global supply conditions point to continued price pressure.
Harvest outcomes in major producing regions such as India, Pakistan, China, other Asian countries, and Africa will be critical. Current indicators suggest comfortable availability, which could weigh on prices unless demand improves sharply.
West African sesame prices are already reflecting this trend, trading near $1,000 per tonne, around 15 per cent below official prices set by Burkina Faso, underlining a buyer-friendly market.
The market has also absorbed the impact of India’s lower kharif sesame production, estimated at 405,000 tonnes, down from 444,000 tonnes last year. Attention is now shifting to India’s zaid crop, which has averaged around 400,000 tonnes in recent years. If prices remain supportive until March, farmers may increase acreage.
China Remains the Key Demand Driver
China will continue to play a decisive role in the global sesame market. Although it produces over 300,000 tonnes, its consumption exceeds 1.5 million tonnes, making it heavily reliant on imports.
India remains a major producer, processor, and exporter, but Pakistan has emerged as a strong supplier to China. In the first nine months of 2025, Pakistan’s sesame exports to China surged 87 per cent, reaching $68.56 million. Shipments rose to over 55,000 tonnes, compared with less than 24,000 tonnes a year earlier, at an average price of $1,230 per tonne.
Pakistan’s rise is attributed to better quality, favourable growing conditions, and strong trade ties under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
China’s domestic production continues to face constraints due to limited land availability and water stress, keeping import demand structurally strong.
Regional Dynamics Shape the Market
The Asia–Pacific region will remain the dominant hub for sesame production and consumption. Buying pace and stock levels in China, Japan, and other Asian markets are expected to act as price signals in 2026.
Africa will continue as a key export origin, but farmer earnings will depend on quality consistency, logistics efficiency, and geopolitical developments, particularly in Sudan and Ethiopia.
Conclusion
Sesame demand is poised to grow steadily in 2026, led by food, health, and value-added applications. However, ample global supplies and rising competition are likely to keep prices under pressure. For exporters and farmers, focusing on organic and speciality grades, ensuring traceability, and adopting timely forward sales strategies will be key to securing better returns. The year ahead could also see countries like China locking in long-term supply partnerships, with Pakistan gaining ground and India reinforcing its role as a major global supplier.