Market
Sesame seed in Syria is produced at modest scale relative to major global suppliers; FAOSTAT reports national sesame production in the single‑digit thousands of tonnes in the early 2020s after a sharp contraction during the conflict years. Crop Trust notes sesame cultivation in northern Syria, including use as an intercrop in newly established olive groves. Domestic availability and pricing are exposed to conflict-related disruption and recurrent drought and water scarcity affecting Syrian agriculture. Trade statistics coverage for Syria is incomplete, but mirror trade data indicate small sesame seed exports to nearby markets, implying primarily domestic use with limited export channels.
Market RoleSmall domestic producer; import-supplemented consumer market (trade data gaps prevent quantification)
Domestic RoleFood-use oilseed for domestic processors and households; domestic supply subject to high volatility from conflict and drought
Risks
Security HighRenewed hostilities and localized insecurity—especially in northern and north-eastern governorates—can disrupt farm access, road corridors, and border/market operations, delaying or preventing sesame deliveries and increasing loss/theft risk.Use route-specific security checks and contingency routing; diversify entry points and warehouses; include force-majeure and delay clauses; work only with vetted local logistics partners.
Climate MediumMulti-year drought and water scarcity have weakened Syrian agriculture and can reduce local sesame availability and raise procurement price volatility year-to-year.Plan multi-origin sourcing, pre-book volumes early in the season, and maintain buffer stock when operating inside Syria.
Regulatory Compliance MediumAlthough broad Syria-related sanctions were lifted/eased in 2025 by major jurisdictions, targeted sanctions remain on certain persons and activities, making counterparty screening, payment routing, and ownership transparency critical for any Syria-linked trade.Conduct sanctions/AML screening on beneficial owners, banks, vessels, and insurers; retain documentation on end-use and counterparties; obtain legal/compliance sign-off before contracting.
Market Information MediumRecent official trade and market statistics for Syria are incomplete, limiting the ability to verify import dependence, demand size, and price benchmarks for sesame seed.Triangulate with mirror trade data, buyer tenders, and on-the-ground partner reporting; avoid overcommitting without verified demand signals.
Sustainability- Drought and water scarcity constraints affecting agricultural output and irrigation reliability in key northern production zones
- Climate variability and hydrological stress (including low Euphrates levels) affecting national agricultural recovery and cash-crop viability
Labor & Social- Conflict-driven displacement and livelihood erosion heighten vulnerability for rural households and agricultural labor availability
FAQ
Is Syria a major producer or exporter of sesame seed?No. FAO’s FAOSTAT indicates Syria produces sesame at a relatively modest national scale, and World Bank WITS mirror trade data show only small sesame seed exports from Syria in 2022 (e.g., to nearby markets such as Lebanon and Turkey).
What is the biggest trade risk for sesame shipments into or out of Syria?Security disruption is the main deal-breaker risk: UN situation reporting in early 2026 describes escalations of hostilities and displacement in several northern and north‑eastern governorates, which can interrupt transport routes and market access and create sudden delivery delays or cancellations.
How do drought conditions affect sesame supply in Syria?FAO and FEWS NET report severe drought and water scarcity affecting Syrian agriculture in recent years; this environment can reduce crop output and increase price volatility for locally produced oilseeds, including sesame, and can also raise uncertainty for contracting and timing.