W51 Sesame Seed Update: Egypt’s Sesame Seed Supply Disrupted by Conflict in Sudan, while China Experienced Weak Imports in Nov-23

Egypt Needs Alternative Sesame Seed Sources Amid Disruptions from Sudan's Conflict

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has severely disrupted Egypt's sesame seed supply, as it is predominantly sourced from Sudan (86% in 2022). With challenges persisting in Sudan's sesame seed production and an influx of Sudanese migrants to Egypt due to the conflict, there is an expected surge in Egyptian sesame seed imports. To address this, Egypt is exploring alternative importers, with increased figures from India and Brazil in 2023.

India witnessed a 21.76% year-on-year (YoY) increase, exporting 3,311 metric tons (mt) from Jan-23 to Jul-23, while Brazil's exports surged by 189% YoY, reaching 2,432 mt from Jan-23 to Oct-23. Despite local production efforts, Tridge predicts that continued absence from Sudan's sesame market will impact Egypt, emphasizing the need for adequate diversification in import sources to ensure an ample sesame supply in 2024.

Niger Government Signs Agreement with TGI to boost Agriculture Development

The Niger State Government formalized a framework agreement for a commodities off-taker arrangement between state-based limited liability company Niger Food Security and Logistics Company and privately-owned company Tropical General Investments (TGI). The objective of this agreement is to enhance food security and promote economic diversification in Niger. Under the agreement, the Niger State Government shall be responsible for the agriculture cultivation, harvesting, aggregation, and sales of rice paddy, soya beans, maize, and sesame seeds to the off-taker.

TGI shall manage the transportation, logistics, and purchase of the farm produce. The initiative aims to produce 600 thousand mt to 1 million metric tons (mmt) of food annually over the next five years, engaging over 100 thousand farmers across 100 thousand hectares (ha) in Niger and contributing over one trillion naira to the country’s economy annually.

China Sesame Seed Imports Decreased by 39.13% MoM in Nov-23

In Nov-23, China imported 68.4 thousand mt of sesame seed, reflecting a 4.63% YoY decrease and a 39.19% month-on-month (MoM) decrease, with an import value of USD 117.9 million marking a 5.07% YoY increase and a 40.44% MoM decrease. The average import price was USD1,724.59/mt, indicating a 10.17% YoY rise and a 2.05% MoM decrease. The primary sources of sesame imports in Nov-23 were Pakistan, Mozambique, Niger, and Tanzania. Pakistan accounted for the largest share of imports with 46.5 thousand mt, making up 67.95%, followed by Mozambique with 7,582 mt, accounting for 11.09%. Additionally, 5,027 mt were imported from Niger (7.35%) and 4,297 mt from Tanzania (6.28%).