Sesame seeds imports in the United States: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United States imported sesame seeds worth $86.2 million (33.0 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 10th largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 206 countries. That is close to the 2023 level. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $86.2M | 33.0K t |
| 2023 | $87.4M | 32.7K t |
| 2022 | $86.2M | 34.6K t |
| 2021 | $80.4M | 38.5K t |
| 2020 | $78.2M | 36.9K t |
| 2019 | $78.4M | 33.5K t |
| 2018 | $71.7M | 36.3K t |
| 2017 | $59.5M | 34.6K t |
Where the United States imports sesame seeds from
India alone supplied 54% of it. Among the main suppliers, Turkey grew fastest (+138% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $46.2M | 54% |
| Guatemala | $12.7M | 15% |
| Pakistan | $7.3M | 8.5% |
| Nigeria | $5.7M | 6.6% |
| Turkey | $4.7M | 5.5% |
| Mexico | $3.6M | 4.2% |
| China | $1.3M | 1.6% |
| Canada | $1.1M | 1.3% |
| Bolivia | $932K | 1.1% |
| Paraguay | $553K | 0.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.62 per kg, 47% above the world average of $1.78. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Sesame seeds exports from the United States
In 2024, the United States exported sesame seeds worth $12.9 million (7.6 thousand tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Mexico accounted for 62% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Mexico grew fastest (+200% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | $8.0M | 62% |
| Israel | $1.4M | 11% |
| Canada | $1.3M | 9.7% |
| South Korea | $390K | 3% |
| India | $390K | 3% |
| Japan | $228K | 1.8% |
| Jamaica | $223K | 1.7% |
| Saudi Arabia | $122K | 0.9% |
| Barbados | $122K | 0.9% |
| Australia | $89K | 0.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United States?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Direct customs feed: shipment-level records from the official customs source.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 imported by the United States?
The United States imported sesame seeds worth $86.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 33.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 10th of 206 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was down 1% on 2023.
Which countries supply sesame seeds to the United States?
India was the largest supplier with 54% of the value ($46.2 million), followed by Guatemala (15%) and Pakistan (8%). The top three together account for 77%, out of 45 supplier countries in total. Turkey grew fastest among the top ten, up 138% on the year.
What is the average import price of sesame seeds per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.62 per kg in 2024, 47% above the world average of $1.78 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have imports of sesame seeds to the United States changed since 2017?
Imports went from $59.5 million in 2017 to $86.2 million in 2024, an increase of 45%. The peak was 2023 at $87.4 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does the United States also export sesame seeds?
Yes. The United States exported $12.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Mexico, Israel and Canada. On balance the United States is a net importer of this product, by about $73.3 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?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX has a direct customs feed for the United States with shipment-level records, updated weekly, so you can see importers and exporters by name with dates, quantities and declared values. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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