Market
In Peru, sesame seed (ajonjolí) supply is primarily import-based for use in food processing and consumer retail. UN Comtrade data via WITS indicates Peru imported about 3,466 thousand USD of HS 120740 in 2023 while exporting about 74.78 thousand USD, consistent with a net-importer market. Domestic production exists but appears limited, with MIDAGRI/Agromercado promoting black sesame (ajonjolí negro) pilot production and export-chain integration in Ucayali and regional initiatives reported in Piura; older academic work also cites Piura and Lambayeque as key producing departments historically. Market access and continuity depend on SENASA phytosanitary import permitting/inspection and robust food-safety controls for low-moisture seeds.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer market)
Domestic RolePrimarily a food ingredient/seed for domestic consumption, with domestic supply largely covered by imports and limited local production initiatives.
Risks
Food Safety HighAs a net-importer market, Peru is exposed to food-safety disruption if imported sesame seeds or sesame-based products are contaminated (e.g., Salmonella), which can trigger recalls, import holds, and reputational damage for downstream processors and retailers; international outbreak investigations have linked Salmonella to sesame seeds/sesame-based products in multiple countries.Use approved suppliers with documented preventive controls; implement incoming-lot sampling/testing where risk-based; apply validated lethality steps (e.g., roasting) when producing ready-to-eat sesame ingredients/products; maintain batch traceability for rapid recall.
Regulatory Compliance MediumMissing or incorrect SENASA phytosanitary permits/certificates can delay customs clearance or lead to refusal of entry for regulated plant products.Obtain SENASA PFI before shipment, confirm SENASA-approved requirements by origin, and align exporter CF statements/documentation with the PFI before loading.
Logistics MediumSupply cost and availability can be affected by freight and border-logistics volatility because Peru sources sesame via both regional overland supply (e.g., Bolivia) and overseas containerized trade (e.g., India/Guatemala/Brazil).Diversify origins and contract timing; maintain safety stock for key food-manufacturing users; use indexed freight clauses where feasible.
Climate MediumEmerging domestic production initiatives (e.g., Ucayali) can face weather and access disruptions; MIDAGRI/Agromercado noted rains and access limitations affecting harvest timing in Ucayali programs.Stagger planting where possible; plan logistics for rainy-season access; complement domestic sourcing with contracted imports to stabilize supply.
FAQ
Is Peru a net importer or exporter of sesame seeds?Peru is a net importer. UN Comtrade data via WITS shows Peru imported about 3,466.07 thousand USD (2,309,450 kg) of sesame seeds (HS 120740) in 2023, while exporting about 74.78 thousand USD (40,322 kg).
Which countries supplied most of Peru’s sesame seed imports in 2023?UN Comtrade data via WITS indicates the top exporters of sesame seeds (HS 120740) to Peru in 2023 by value were Bolivia, India, Guatemala, Paraguay and Brazil.
What are the key phytosanitary documents to import sesame seeds into Peru?SENASA states importers must obtain a Permiso Fitosanitario de Importación (PFI) for regulated plant products before the shipment is exported to Peru, and that a Certificado Fitosanitario (CF) from the exporting country’s authority is required when applicable; customs documentation is managed through SUNAT (e.g., DUA, transport document, invoice).