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Sesame Seeds: The World’s Oldest Oilseed Powering Modern Export Markets

Sesame seeds are the oldest cultivated oilseeds. Serving as one of the most valuable agricultural commodities today, these powerhouses of taste and nutrition have been a vital part of global culinary traditions for many centuries.  In fact, their rich history dates back to ancient civilizations like Egyptians, Assyrians, and Babylonians. Around 5,000 years ago, the Chinese people used sesame seeds to create ink blocks. While in ancient Egypt, they were used as grain flour. These tiny yet popular seeds also have symbolic importance in several cultures. They even symbolize abundance and longevity in some Asian cultures. Talking about their role in the current global trade landscape, they continue to hold strong relevance due to their consistently rising demand across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. International sesame seeds buyers actively look for suppliers who can offer the best quality sesame seeds at a competitive price.

Understanding the Global Demand for Sesame Seeds in the Trade Business

As mentioned earlier, sesame seeds are one of the highly demanded commodities. It is because of their nutritional profile, shelf stability, and versatile applications across food, oil, and health industries. Do you know that sesame seeds come packed with protein, essential vitamins and minerals, fiber, and healthy fats? Besides, more consumers are today becoming aware of these health benefits of sesame seeds, which is further adding to the demand. The globalization of food culture and increasing preference for sesame-based products also play a key role. It is important to note that Indian sesame seeds are quite popular in international markets due to their superior quality, varieties, well-established agricultural and supply chain infrastructure (especially in Indian states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh), and of course, competitive pricing. 

Moreover, the strategic location and well-connected ports of India help facilitate bulk sesame seeds exports to other countries.As per FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), India, Myanmar, Sudan, Tanzania, and China are the five leading producers of sesame seeds, accounting for over 75% of the global production. As a supplier or exporter, you need to understand who the major sesame seed importers are. These typically include large-scale food processors who use sesame seeds in bakery, confectionery, sauces, and snack formulations; cosmetic and personal care brands that value the skin benefits of sesame; organic product distributors sourcing non-GMO and pesticide-free seeds; and retail importers catering to health-conscious consumers.

Key Sesame Seeds Varieties & Export Potential Markets

Exporters commonly deal in two broad sesame seed varieties, hulled & unhulled sesame seeds.

Hulled vs. Unhulled

Types of sesame seed types based on color:

• White sesame: Popular for its mild and nutty flavor
• Black sesame: Used in traditional cuisines & health-conscious markets
• Brown sesame: A less common variety with a bolder flavor
• Red sesame: Known for its unique flavor & color
• Golden sesame: Often used to garnish sweets & savory snacks

Other varieties:

• Organic sesame seeds: Grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers
• Roasted or toasted sesame: Lightly browned in a dry skillet or oven

Some sesame seed exporters also deal in related commodities. These interconnected product categories offer cross-selling opportunities, enabling suppliers to diversify their offerings and expand their market reach. Here are some popular and in-demand related product categories that you can explore for greater profitability.

• Sesame seed oil & cold pressed sesame oil: Especially for culinary and cosmetic use.
• Cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and niger seeds: As part of the broader spice seeds category
• Other oil seeds: Including rape seeds, soybean seeds, mustard seeds, castor seeds and sunflower seeds
  
  

Exporters should also know the quality and compliance expectations, especially when targeting premium markets. Sesame seeds importers or buyers focus on moisture content, uniformity, purity, and absence of contaminants. Besides, it is better to ensure compliance with food safety standards (such as ISO, HACCP, and other organic certifications) and maintain packaging quality to protect shelf life during transit.  

Key Market Insights: What Sesame Seeds Exporters Should Know

Here are the key market insights that every exporter or supplier should know to make well-informed decisions and grow their export business.

Global Market Size (2024):

Source: IMARC

Top 5 Sesame Seeds Importing Countries:

Source: World Integrated Trade Solution (WITS)

Sesame Seeds Price Trend (Past Three Years):

Source: Tridge

To get the latest updates on sesame seeds or connect with fellow agri-traders, visit our Communities section.

How to Find Buyers for Sesame Seeds?

Whether you are looking for white sesame seeds buyers near you or foreign buyers of sesame seeds, here are the most effective methods:

• The most reliable way is to list your products on B2B platforms like go4WorldBusiness. You can easily get a list of verified sesame seeds buyers.
  
  
• To meet your potential natural sesame seeds buyers in person, participate in agri-export or food trade fairs. Some of the top events of the sesame trade are Gulfood (UAE), Anuga (Germany), BIOFACH (Germany), and the World Sesame & Peanut Conference. 
  
  
• Engage with export agencies and sesame-focused commodity boards in your country.
  
  
• Use trade forums and Linkedin to reach out to procurement managers, import agencies, and food processors. 
  
  
• Participate in sesame or agri-export forums, Facebook groups, and other related communities for discussions where buyers post requirements. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Who buys sesame seeds in the world?

Major sesame seeds buyers are:

China

Turkey

Japan

European Union

India

2. What is the price of sesame seeds per kg?

Though it may vary based on several factors, the average sesame seeds 1 kg price ranges from $1.10 to $2.50.

3. Who is the largest consumer of sesame seeds?

China is the largest consumer of sesame seeds, followed by Japan and Turkey (because of their extensive use in culinary and oil extraction industries).

4. Who is the largest exporter of sesame seeds?

India is the largest exporter of sesame seeds, followed by Ethiopia, Sudan, and Nigeria. 

5. How to check the quality of sesame seeds?

To check the quality of sesame seeds, consider tests for the following factors:

• Purity (commonly 99.95% or 99.97%)
• Oil Content (minimum 48-52%)
• Color: When sourcing black sesame seeds, choose pitch black over dark brown as they indicate superior quality.
• Moisture Level (maximum 6%)
• Absence of foreign matter or adulteration

6. Is sesame seeds export business profitable?

Yes, the sesame seeds export business can be highly profitable, especially for countries like India that have strong production capacity, competitive pricing, and access to both seed and oil export markets. The global sesame seeds market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.16%, reaching approximately USD 9.0 billion by 2033, up from USD 7.4 billion in 2024. This upward trend presents a strong opportunity for exporters.

7. What is the HS code for sesame seeds?

120740 is the HS code for sesame seeds (applicable for both natural and hulled variants).


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