How to buy and export sesame seeds: Ethiopia, Sudan, Nigeria, Tanzania and India
Sesame is grown by smallholders across Africa and Asia and sold to buyers in China, Japan, Korea, Turkey, the Middle East and Europe. This guide explains how it reaches them.
Updated November 6, 2026 · 2 sources
Seasons
| Country | Approximate harvest |
|---|---|
| Sudan | October–December |
| Ethiopia | September–November |
| Nigeria | September–December |
| Tanzania | May–August |
| Burkina Faso | October–December |
| India | Two main crops a year |
How it is sold
- Ethiopia: export sesame is traded on the Ethiopia Commodity Exchange (ECX) and shipped via Djibouti.
- Tanzania: sesame is sold through warehouse receipts and electronic auctions (TMX).
- Nigeria, Sudan, Burkina Faso and others: exporters buy from aggregators and cooperatives, then clean and ship.
Steps to a first purchase
- Agree the type (white, mixed, black; natural or hulled), purity, oil content and moisture.
- Ask for a sample and a lab report.
- Agree the packing (bags of 25–50 kg), Incoterm and payment.
- Check the importing country's rules on pesticide residues and salmonella.
See sesame lots or list your sesame.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Ethiopian sesame traded?
Export sesame is traded through the Ethiopia Commodity Exchange.
Which sesame is most valued?
Whitish, clean seed with high oil content and high purity, such as Ethiopian Humera, usually earns more.
How is sesame packed?
Usually in polypropylene or jute bags of 25 to 50 kg.
Sources
Checked on November 6, 2026. Laws, rules and prices change: always check the official source before you trade. This guide is general information, not legal advice.