The Rise of Indian Sesame in Korean & Japanese Markets
- Harsh Kumar
- Dec 19, 2025
- 3 min read
Insight by SUMAN EXPORTS – Sesame Seeds Supplier and Exporter from India
Sesame seeds, small yet mighty in terms of nutritional value and versatility, have long been a staple in the global food and health sectors. Over the past few years, demand from East Asian markets, particularly South Korea and Japan, has surged, creating a fertile opportunity for Indian exporters like SUMAN EXPORTS to strengthen trade ties and deliver premium-quality seeds that meet evolving market needs.
Indian sesame has a unique appeal owing to its rich taste profiles, diverse varietals (white, black, hulled, unhulled), and stringent quality standards, making it a preferred choice for importers focused on food manufacturing, gourmet applications, and traditional cuisines.
Market Dynamics: South Korea’s Growing Appetite for Indian Sesame
Rising Import Volumes
Between January and May 2025, Korea imported approximately 30,281 metric tons, representing a 14% year-on-year increase, which reflects robust consumption trends in the food processing and retail sectors.
Prior period data also indicate consistent growth: up to a 20% rise in imports during 2024 compared to 2023.
SOURCE - Mundus Agri
Indian sesame has played a pivotal role in this uptrend. While global suppliers include China and African exporters, India’s share of Korean imports has expanded, driven by competitive pricing, reliable shipments, and quality compliance.
Explore our range of premium sesame seeds now!
Japan’s Strategic Demand for Quality Sesame
While Japan’s import statistics for 2025 are still emerging, historical data illustrate the scale of this market:
In 2021, Japan imported ~151 million kg of sesamum seeds valued at over USD 213 million, highlighting deep-rooted cultural and industrial consumption.
SOURCE - WITS
What’s Driving Demand in Korea & Japan?
Culinary & Industrial Trends
Image Source - https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/sesame_seeds
Both South Korea and Japan have deep culinary traditions where sesame seeds are essential from sauces, snacks, and confectionery to health foods and condiments. With rising consumer focus on clean-label ingredients and international food innovations, demand for high-grade sesame has escalated.
Trade Facilitators
Public agricultural tenders (e.g., Korean Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation releases) keep the market dynamic and accessible for Indian exporters. Quality protocols and certifications have streamlined Indian sesame’s entry into strict East Asian food systems.
Production trend chart of India Sesame Seed
India's production of Sesame Seed has increased by 16.37% over the past 5 years, rising from 689,310 metric tons in 2019 to 802,138.08 metric tons in 2023.
Source - Tridge
Top Sesame Seed Exporting Countries in Global Rankings
Rank | Country | Annual Export Volume (Metric Tons) | Key Import Markets |
1 | India | 1,000,000+ | UAE, China, Japan, South Korea |
2 | Sudan | 800,000+ | Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE |
3 | Myanmar | 700,000+ | China, Thailand, Japan |
4 | Tanzania | 650,000+ | China, Vietnam, Turkey |
5 | Nigeria | 500,000+ | Japan, Turkey, the Middle East |
India’s Edge in Global Sesame Export
Leading Producer and Exporter
India ranks among the top global exporters of sesame seeds, accounting for a large share of world trade thanks to its diverse production landscapes and established processing infrastructure.
Produces 800,000–900,000+ metric tons annually, with large volumes exported worldwide.
Supplies sesame seeds to over 125 countries, including South Korea and Japan.
Exports reflect strong value generation, with India’s share of global sesame export value at ~16% as of recent data.
These figures underscore India’s strategic position just as a supplier of volume but also as a reliable partner delivering quality that meets East Asian regulatory and culinary standards.
SUMAN EXPORTS: Your Trusted Partner in the Sesame Seeds Supply
At SUMAN EXPORTS, we’ve spent decades perfecting the sourcing, processing, and export of sesame seeds from golden hulled varieties to rich black sesame, serving clients across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and beyond.
With verified supply chains, robust quality control, and on-time global delivery, we empower buyers in Korea, Japan, and other key markets to build competitive products and satisfy consumers.
Whether you’re scaling your sesame seed import portfolio or seeking premium-grade consignment support tailored to East Asian standards, SUMAN EXPORTS is your go-to partner.
Conclusion: A Growth Story in the Making
The trajectory of Indian sesame in Korean and Japanese markets reflects broader shifts in global food trade, where quality, reliability, and strategic partnerships define success.
With rising import volumes and Indian origin preferred for both industrial and culinary needs, exporters like SUMAN EXPORTS are at the forefront of this growth, ready to support global buyers with consistent supply and value.
Seize the opportunity. Build resilient supply chains. And let’s grow the sesame market together, quality shipment at a time.
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