Taiwan sesame import grew 20% in 2020

According to Taiwan’s custom record, the total import value of sesame in 2020 was 63.7 Million USD with an annual growth rate of 20%. Taiwan does have locally grown sesame, however, the annual harvest yeild is around 400-500 tons. Thus, the market heavily relies on imports.

The top ranked exporting countries are India, Myanmar, and Thailand, with an export value of 18.9 Million, 14.4 Million, and 4.2 Million USD respectively. The other notable origins are Paraguay with 4.0 Million USD, and annual growth of 1085%, Bangladesh with 3.2 Million USD and growth of 167%, Nigeria with 2.47 Million USD and growth of 100%.

The demand for sesame increased in China in the mid of 2020, causing an increase of price and short of supply in Myanmar. This caused the buyers to turn to alternative sources like Paraguay, Bangladesh, and Nigeria.