Tanzania is launching its 2026/27 sesame trading season with hopes for increased production and improved prices, despite facing a challenging global market shaped by fluctuating Chinese demand, increased competition from producers like Brazil and Sudan, and rising logistics costs. The country, known for its high-quality sesame with good oil content, earns approximately Sh300 billion annually from exports. However, international price formation is largely dictated by external buyers, exposing Tanzanian farmers to global shocks. Despite a rebound in production from a low in 2021/22, price volatility is a significant concern, with average prices dropping sharply in the 2025/26 season. Efforts are underway to enhance transparency through digital systems and improve quality control, but analysts emphasize the need for value addition through processing to stabilize farmer incomes and reduce reliance on raw exports.