Market
Sesame seed in Morocco is a small domestic crop but a strongly import-dependent market for food and industrial uses. Moroccan sesame production is reported to be concentrated in the Tadla area, with smaller shares associated with Meknes and Safi. Reported 2020 consumption exceeded 14,000 tonnes, with more than 90% supplied by imports, and Egypt and India cited as key origins. Market access and continuity of supply are therefore shaped by import logistics and ONSSA sanitary/phytosanitary import-control requirements.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market with limited domestic production
Domestic RoleFood and industrial oilseed used primarily in the domestic market; imports supply most demand
Market GrowthGrowing (2000–2020)import volumes increased strongly over 2000–2020 alongside rising domestic demand
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighSesame seed imports can be blocked or delayed at Moroccan entry points if the ONSSA import-control dossier is incomplete or if the required sanitary/phytosanitary health certificate (or equivalent) from the exporting country’s competent authority is missing or not accepted.Pre-validate documents against ONSSA’s published import-control checklist (ESP/OD, invoice, packing list, transport document, health certificate, storage-site identification) and align dossier formatting with the Moroccan importer/clearing agent before shipment.
Supply Concentration MediumMorocco’s sesame supply is highly import-dependent and reported to be concentrated on a small number of origins (notably Egypt and India), increasing exposure to origin-specific disruptions and price swings.Qualify alternative origins and maintain buffer inventory for processors during periods of tight global supply.
Climate MediumDomestic Moroccan sesame output is small and has shown sensitivity to drought years, limiting local production’s ability to buffer import interruptions.For local sourcing programs, contract across producing areas (e.g., Tadla and secondary zones) and plan for yield variability during dry seasons.
Logistics MediumAs an import-supplied oilseed, sesame availability and landed cost in Morocco can be affected by freight-rate volatility, port congestion, and shipment delays, which can disrupt processor replenishment cycles.Use forward freight planning, flexible incoterms, and safety stock at approved storage sites to reduce service risk.
Sustainability- Water scarcity and drought sensitivity in Moroccan agriculture; drought periods have been associated with reduced sesame harvested area and production in Morocco (e.g., 2013–2014).
FAQ
Is Morocco a net importer of sesame seed?Yes. A 2022 review in OCL citing Morocco’s Office des Changes reports that Moroccan consumption exceeded 14,000 tonnes in 2020 and that more than 90% of this was supplied by imports.
Which countries are the main sources of Morocco’s sesame seed imports (as reported in available references)?The OCL review (citing the Office des Changes) reports that Morocco sourced most sesame seed imports from Egypt (about 80%) and India (about 19%) in 2020.
What documents are typically required to submit an ONSSA import examination for plant-origin products such as sesame seed?ONSSA’s published import-control procedure lists a dossier that includes items such as the ESP/OD, commercial invoice, packing list, a transport document (e.g., bill of lading/air waybill), and a sanitary/phytosanitary health certificate (or equivalent) issued by the exporting country’s competent authority, plus documentation identifying the approved/authorized storage site before marketing.