Sesame seeds exports from Kenya: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of sesame seeds by Kenya reached $2.4 million in 2024 (1.8 thousand tonnes). That is 16% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 44% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2021, at $5.1 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2.4M | 1.8K t |
| 2023 | $2.9M | 2.1K t |
| 2022 | $1.7M | 1.2K t |
| 2021 | $5.1M | 3.6K t |
| 2020 | $3.1M | 2.4K t |
| 2019 | $2.4M | 2.0K t |
| 2018 | $655K | 498 t |
| 2017 | $191K | 175 t |
Where Kenya exports sesame seeds to
Most of it went to Turkey (34%), India (15%), United Arab Emirates (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Yemen grew fastest (+58% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | $829K | 34% |
| India | $377K | 15% |
| United Arab Emirates | $364K | 15% |
| Netherlands | $289K | 12% |
| Saudi Arabia | $207K | 8.5% |
| Yemen | $145K | 5.9% |
| Canada | $104K | 4.2% |
| China | $96K | 3.9% |
| Uganda | $35K | 1.4% |
| Rwanda | $0K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.38 per kg, 22% below the world average of $1.78, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Sesame seeds imports to Kenya
Imports of sesame seeds by Kenya reached $1.2 million in 2024 (958 tonnes). One supplier dominates: Uganda accounted for 58% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Tanzania grew fastest (+132% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Uganda | $689K | 58% |
| India | $236K | 20% |
| Tanzania | $165K | 14% |
| Malawi | $46K | 3.9% |
| United Arab Emirates | $32K | 2.7% |
| Egypt | $6K | 0.6% |
| Tunisia | $4K | 0.4% |
| Saudi Arabia | $2K | 0.2% |
| United States | $1K | 0.1% |
| China | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya sesame seeds exports (HS 1207.40): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Direct customs feed: shipment-level records from the official customs source.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 1207.40: Oil seeds: sesamum seeds, whether or not broken.
Common questions
What is the value of sesame seeds exported by Kenya?
Kenya exported sesame seeds worth $2.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 49th of 147 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 16% on 2023.
Which countries buy sesame seeds from Kenya?
Turkey was the largest buyer with 34% of the value ($829 thousand), followed by India (15%) and the United Arab Emirates (15%). The top three together account for 64%, out of 11 buyer countries in total. Yemen grew fastest among the top ten, up 58% on the year.
What is the average export price of sesame seeds per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.38 per kg in 2024, 22% below the world average of $1.78 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of sesame seeds from Kenya changed since 2017?
Exports went from $191 thousand in 2017 to $2.4 million in 2024. The peak was 2021 at $5.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $2.3 million a year.
Does Kenya also import sesame seeds?
Yes. Kenya imported $1.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Uganda, India and Tanzania. On balance Kenya is a net exporter of this product, by about $1.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for sesame seeds?
The HS code for sesame seeds is subheading 1207.40. It sits in HS chapter 12 (oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit, industrial or medicinal plants; straw and fodder). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 1207 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; the company-level detail sits in EximDataX, which has a direct customs feed for Kenya. Tell us your product to see it live.
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