W9 Sesame Update: Pakistani Sesame Seed Exports to China Surged in 2023, Driven by Rising Demand and Quality Yields

Published 2024년 3월 8일

In W9 in the sesame seed landscape, the demand for sesame seeds in China is growing, offering a promising opportunity for Pakistani exporters due to consumer preferences for natural and healthy food. Pakistan's favorable climate and quality yields position it well in the Chinese market, with efforts to improve sesame seed quality contributing to a significant export surge to China, reaching USD 290.66 million from Jan-23 to Dec-23, a 126.29% YoY increase. Meanwhile, the Indian government is supporting farmers in cultivating sesame crops during the summer season under the NFSM scheme, offering subsidies on certified seeds, including sesame, at 80% of the cost.

Pakistan's Sesame Seed Export Boom in China

The increasing demand for sesame seeds in China, driven by consumer preferences for natural and healthy food products, presents a lucrative opportunity for Pakistani exporters. With its favorable climatic conditions and quality yields, Pakistan is well-positioned to strengthen its presence in the Chinese market. Efforts to enhance sesame seed quality and competitiveness, along with robust trade infrastructure and favorable policies, have contributed to Pakistan's significant export surge to China. According to the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), sesame seed exports from Pakistan to China reached USD 290.66 million from Jan-23 to Dec-23, up 126.29% year-on-year (YoY). Meanwhile, Niger retained its position as the top sesame seed exporter to China for the third consecutive year, with exports valued at USD 309.51 million. Pakistan followed closely with exports totaling USD 290.66 million, while Tanzania secured the third position with exports amounting to USD 239.83 million.

China imported 166,682.987 metric tons (mt) of sesame seeds from Pakistan, representing a 96.13% YoY increase. This surge underscores the strengthening trade ties between the two countries and Pakistan's growing reputation as a reliable sesame seed exporter, according to the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC). This success is due to the resilience and adaptability of Pakistan's agricultural community, driven by initiatives like the National Oilseeds Enhancement Program (NOEP). Sesame cultivation areas have significantly expanded, experiencing a remarkable 187% increase from 2019 to 2024.

Indian Government Grants Subsidies for Summer Crops Under NFSM Scheme

The Indian government is providing grants to farmers in the state to cultivate urad, groundnut, and sesame crops during the summer season under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) scheme. Farmers will receive subsidies on certified seeds for these crops, with an 80% subsidy on the cost price. Farmers will receive a subsidy on certified sesame seeds at USD 2.15 per kilogram (kg), which is 80% of the cost.