Explore the latest trends, market data, and export insights for white sesame seed shipments to the USA. This guide highlights trade opportunities, top exporting countries, and essential HS code information to help exporters make informed business decisions.
🔹 Introduction
White sesame seeds are in high demand across the United States due to their nutritional value, versatility, and use in a wide range of food products. Whether it’s sprinkled on burger buns, blended into tahini, or added to snacks, sesame has found a strong foothold in the American food industry.
India, being one of the largest producers and exporters of sesame, has a golden opportunity to meet this demand. With rising interest in healthy and plant-based foods, exporting white sesame seeds to the USA has become a viable and profitable option for Indian exporters.
🔹 What is White Sesame?
White sesame seeds are tiny, oval-shaped seeds with a mild nutty flavor and crunchy texture. They’re commonly used in baking, sauces, snack bars, and health foods. What makes them particularly attractive is their high content of healthy fats, calcium, iron, and fiber.
In the U.S., sesame has become an everyday ingredient. You’ll find it in restaurants, health stores, and grocery aisles alike. It’s also a key part of Middle Eastern, Asian, and vegan cuisine. The FDA even added sesame to the list of major allergens in 2023, which shows how widely it’s used and consumed.
🔹 Key Market Trends in the USA
| Market Driver | Description |
|---|---|
| Rise in vegan and clean-label diets | Consumers are shifting toward natural, whole ingredients like sesame |
| Increased use in bakery and food processing | Demand from commercial food units and FMCG brands is growing |
| Awareness of health benefits | Sesame is now marketed as a superfood due to its nutrients |
This growth is expected to continue as the U.S. market diversifies into more plant-based, gluten-free, and allergen-aware food products. Also, with FDA labelling regulations becoming clearer, importers are showing more confidence in sourcing sesame from India and other compliant countries.
🔹 Top Exporting Countries
Here’s a snapshot of the top sesame-exporting nations to the U.S. as of 2024:
🔹 Opportunities
The sesame seed export market to the USA is rich with possibilities:
➤ Increasing demand in health-conscious segments like keto, paleo, and vegan diets
➤ High margins in specialty and organic food stores
➤ Favorable perception of Indian sesame as premium quality
➤ Growing U.S. demand for certified, traceable, and clean-label products
➤ Reduced import duties for some countries under trade agreements
Exporters who focus on organic certification, clean packaging, and allergen-safe processing can fetch better prices. If you’re planning your entry or expansion, Exim Data Hub can help you connect with verified U.S. buyers and navigate market entry.
🔹 HS Code for White Sesame Seeds
Choosing the correct HS code ensures hassle-free customs clearance and avoids shipment delays. Common HS codes for white sesame exports include:
➤ 12074010 – Sesame seeds, whether or not broken
➤ 12074090 – Other sesame seeds (hulled or semi-processed)
➤ 20081990 – Roasted or prepared sesame seeds (used in tahini or snack mixes)
➤ 21069099 – Sesame-based preparations not elsewhere specified
Always confirm the final code with your logistics partner depending on the product form—raw, hulled, roasted, or processed.
🔹 How Exim Data Hub Helps Exporters
| Feature | Exporter Benefit |
|---|---|
| HS Code Intelligence | Avoid customs delays with correct classification |
| Buyer Insights | Get real-time access to U.S. sesame importers |
| Market Forecasting | Plan better with volume and price trend reports |
With tools from Exim Data Hub, exporters can make confident business moves—whether it’s finding new buyers, verifying trade data, or understanding documentation norms for sesame exports.
🔹 Conclusion
White sesame seeds have become a hot commodity in the U.S. market. From fast food chains to health shops, the demand is solid—and Indian exporters are in a strong position to meet it.
To succeed in this space:
➤ Ensure accurate HS code classification
➤ Follow FDA-compliant packaging and labeling
➤ Get certifications like USDA Organic or Non-GMO
➤ Partner with reliable importers and buyers
With rising U.S. demand and India’s strong supply base, this is the right time to expand your sesame export business. Let data and insights from Exim Data Hub guide your next move.
🔹 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is certification required for exporting white sesame to the USA?
Yes. Importers prefer FDA-compliant packaging, and certifications like USDA Organic can help get better prices.
Q2: How large is the sesame market in the USA?
White sesame seed imports reached $34.5 million in 2024 and continue to grow.
Q3: Can I export roasted or processed sesame seeds?
Yes, but processed sesame must meet FDA food safety and allergen labelling rules.
Q4: How can Exim Data Hub support new exporters?
We offer HS code support, buyer leads, and trend forecasting. Click here to connect.
