Market
Sesame seed (ajonjolí) in Mexico is an oilseed and food ingredient, with production concentrated in states such as Guerrero, Sinaloa and Michoacán and additional output in Oaxaca, Sonora and Chiapas (SADER/SIAP). Trade data indicate Mexico both imports and exports sesame seed, but UN Comtrade-based WITS data show imports exceeded exports in 2023, indicating a net-import position. Sesame is used domestically across bakery/confectionery and sauces (including moles) and as an input for edible oil and other industrial uses (SADER). Food-safety controls—especially Salmonella risk management for sesame and sesame-based products—are a critical trade enabler due to recurring international outbreaks and recalls (EFSA/ECDC).
Market RoleNet importer with domestic production
Domestic RoleDomestic food ingredient and oilseed used in Mexican food manufacturing and household consumption; supply is supplemented by imports.
SeasonalitySeasonality varies by region; a SIAP-based Oaxaca state dashboard notes a harvest peak in November for Oaxaca.
Risks
Food Safety HighSalmonella contamination risk in sesame seeds and sesame-based products is a deal-breaker for trade because it can trigger recalls, border rejections, and reputational damage; EFSA/ECDC have documented multi-country outbreaks linked to imported sesame seeds and sesame-based products.Implement a documented Salmonella control plan (supplier approval, hygienic handling, validated decontamination where applicable for sesame-based products, and lot-based testing with rapid traceability and recall readiness).
Regulatory Compliance MediumPhytosanitary import requirements in Mexico depend on commodity/origin/use and are managed through SENASICA’s MCRFI; misalignment can lead to holds, treatment requirements, re-export, or rejection at entry.Confirm MCRFI requirements before shipment and align documentation (including phytosanitary certificate content where required) with the exact commodity/origin/use parameters.
Logistics MediumCross-border trucking and container freight volatility can materially affect delivered cost for a bulk commodity, impacting competitiveness for both imports and exports.Use forward freight booking for peak lanes, maintain multiple logistics options (border/port), and contract with clear Incoterms and demurrage/detention responsibilities.
Climate MediumProduction concentration in a handful of states increases exposure to localized weather shocks (e.g., drought/heat or storm impacts), which can tighten domestic supply and increase reliance on imports.Diversify sourcing across Mexican producing states and maintain contingency import options aligned with SENASICA requirements.
FAQ
Is Mexico a net importer or exporter of sesame seed?Based on UN Comtrade-based WITS data for HS 120740, Mexico imported more sesame seed than it exported in 2023, indicating a net-import position even though it also produces and exports sesame.
What tariff classification does Mexico use for sesame seed and is it tariff-exempt?Mexico commonly references sesame seed under HS 1207.40 and SIAVI lists the Mexican fraction 12074001 (“Semilla de sésamo (ajonjolí)”). SIAVI shows the MFN (NMF) import tariff as “Ex.” (exempt), but the current status should be rechecked at time of shipment.
Which authority sets phytosanitary import requirements for sesame seed into Mexico?SENASICA sets and publishes phytosanitary import requirements for regulated plant-origin goods through its online Módulo de Requisitos Fitosanitarios para la Importación (MCRFI) and issues the Certificado Fitosanitario para Importación at points of entry when requirements are met.