- Strong growth in chilli, ginger, turmeric lifts overall export volumes
- Weak realisations, lower cumin shipments cap export value growth
India’s spice exports recorded a strong rise in volumes during April-November 2025, even as export earnings remained largely flat due to weak prices and a sharp fall in cumin shipments. As per data from the Spices Board of India, total spice exports increased to 1.20 million tonnes (mnt), up 14% y-o-y from 1.06 mnt in the same period last year. However, export earnings rose only marginally by 0.3% to USD 2.93 billion, indicating sustained pricing pressure across the export basket.
The rise in volumes was mainly driven by higher shipments of red chilli, ginger, turmeric and value-added spice products. Red chilli exports increased sharply by 27% y-o-y to 481,446 tonnes (t), supported by strong demand from traditional markets and competitive Indian prices. Ginger and dry ginger exports nearly doubled to 94,772 t, as global buyers shifted sourcing to India amid supply constraints in other origins. Turmeric exports rose modestly to 127,530 t, backed by steady demand from food processing, pharmaceutical, and packaged food segments. Exports of curry powder and paste also increased significantly, reflecting growing preference for processed and blended products.
In contrast, cumin exports declined sharply. Volumes fell 11% y-o-y to 142,217 t, while export value dropped by a steeper 27% to USD 38.01 million. This highlights continued pressure on cumin prices due to ample global availability, carry-forward stocks, and aggressive competition from alternative origins, leading to buyer resistance at prevailing Indian prices. Other spices such as coriander, fennel, cardamom (both small and large), and minor seed spices recorded moderate growth but could not offset the value erosion caused by cumin.
For buyers, sellers, and brokers, the data clearly shows that India’s spice export growth during the current financial year has been volume-driven rather than value-driven. Higher shipments have not translated into proportional revenue gains due to soft global prices and a larger share of lower-priced bulk exports. In cumin, the sharp fall in export value despite only a moderate decline in volumes suggests continued downside risk unless prices recover or global stocks tighten.
Looking ahead, export volumes of chilli, turmeric and ginger are likely to remain firm in the near term on steady overseas demand. However, cumin exports may continue to lag unless pricing becomes more attractive for buyers. Overall, the export outlook remains positive in volume terms, but meaningful improvement in export realisations will depend on price recovery across key spices.
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