Paraguayan sesame exports registered sustained demand from Asian and North American markets, which accounted for most of the volume and value shipped abroad, according to data from the Paraguayan Chamber of Sesame Exporters (Capexse). The president of the Paraguayan Chamber of Sesame Exporters (Capexse) , Gilberto Osorio, pointed out that, despite the "complications" registered in international markets, the sector closed a good year , with an increase in sesame placements abroad. According to the report, the trade association reported that 44% more of the product was shipped through November, reaching 40,104 tons , compared to 27,780 tons obtained in the same period of the previous year. “While the inflow of foreign currency was not directly proportional to the volume shipped, the amount sent abroad gives greater competitiveness to the Paraguayan product in the different markets,” the businessman said.In terms of foreign exchange earnings, US$56 million entered the country through this penultimate period , compared to US$50 million last year . However, the businessman explained that, despite the higher export volume, the average price paid for the product was US$1,399 per ton, representing a drop of US$434 compared to 2024, when the average price was US$1,833 . Positive balance He considered the annual balance “ positive for the sector,” since producers planted a significant amount again, although less than in 2024. However, he emphasized that most decided to remain in the business, driven by the volume achieved this harvest and the good quality of the product.Regarding industrialization, he noted that the country has several processing plants for hulled sesame (seed without the husk), a product with greater added value. He emphasized that this industrial capacity was key to exporting a significant portion of the volume as a processed product, taking advantage of the season's good harvest. “The production sector is satisfied because the low prices were offset by good yields. Furthermore, the drop in prices was not widespread, but mainly occurred towards the end of the harvest,” he explained. New markets He also noted that new markets have been opened, with Paraguayan sesame currently being sold in 36 countries .In that regard, he noted that sesame is a crop with a long production tradition and historical consumption, especially in Asian countries. He mentioned that the European Union and Mexico stand out for importing large volumes, and emphasized that mainland China purchased a significant amount during the year.He explained that, given competitive prices and a certain "stagnation" in international trade, promotional efforts were intensified and larger volumes were directed towards the Asian giant. Asian participation He further explained that China exceeded 5,000 tons imported in 2025, positioning itself significantly in the ranking of destinations, which represented an opportunity to place the good production available at competitive prices.He added that other markets also began to reactivate, and even some countries that had stopped buying from Paraguay resumed purchases.“The end of the year is proving quite dynamic . If some lots remain in the hands of exporters or producers, it is mainly due to quality issues, since sesame is a delicate product in terms of food safety,” he pointed out. The destinations of Paraguayan sesame Regarding destinations, exports are highly concentrated in Asian and North American markets, which account for the majority of both volume and value. Mexico remained the top destination, receiving 11,927 tons valued at US$14 million. Japan followed , with 9,623 tons and US$18 million.Mainland China ranked third with 5,100 tons and US$5 million, while Turkey reached 3,434 tons worth US$2 million. Taiwan registered 1,548 tons and a value of US$2 million.Other important destinations were Argentina, Peru, Germany and the Netherlands, with volumes close to or exceeding 700 tons, in addition to shipments to the United States, Syria, Egypt, Greece, Vietnam and Uruguay.