- Lower jeera prices improve export competitiveness in key overseas markets
- Turmeric shipments supported by nutraceutical and food ingredient demand
India’s spice exports continued to show relative resilience in the early months of FY2025-26 despite slower overall agricultural trade momentum, with steady overseas demand for cumin, turmeric, and coriander supporting shipment flows across key markets.
India exported spices worth over $4.4 billion in FY2024-25, with total shipments exceeding 1.5 million tonnes, according to trade estimates. Exporters said demand from China, the UAE, Bangladesh, the US, and Southeast Asia remained stable during Q1 FY2025-26 despite global demand uncertainty and volatile freight economics.
Cumin exports remained supported after domestic prices corrected sharply from record highs seen last year. Jeera prices, which had surged above INR 300/kg in 2024 amid tight supplies, eased to around INR 180-220/kg in Rajasthan and Gujarat markets following improved production and higher arrivals during the current season. Traders said the correction improved India’s export competitiveness and revived buying interest from China and Gulf markets.
Turmeric exports also witnessed stable movement amid sustained demand from food processing and nutraceutical industries. Spot turmeric prices in Nizamabad and Sangli traded largely between INR 13,000-17,000/quintal during H1 2025 depending on quality and curcumin content, while exporters reported steady inquiries from the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Meanwhile, coriander exports remained moderate but stable due to adequate supplies from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh and consistent buying from Gulf destinations.
Market participants expect Indian spice exports to remain steady through FY2025-26, although ample domestic supplies and subdued global consumption may keep prices largely rangebound in the near term.
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