World Production and Exports Sesame seeds are produced in relatively hot and dry regions because the seeds are adaptable and drought resistant. In 1994, world production of sesame seeds was 2.5 million metric tons. India, China, Sudan, and Myanmar were the world s top producers that year. Most sesame seeds are consumed in the country where they are grown, usually as cooking oil. In 1993, for example, India exported only 2.6 percent of its total production.
China is the world s largest exporter of sesame seeds and continues to increase exports.
The primary importers are Japan and Korea. In 1994, 45.6 percent of all sesame seed exports from China went to Japan, and 44.4 percent went to Korea. In 1995, these figures were 44.1 percent and 36.3 percent, respectively. India, the world s largest producer of sesame seeds, has become a major figure in world trade as well. Myanmar exports product mainly to China and Singapore.