India: Cumin prices rebound in June as shrinking arrivals, renewed buying offset supply pressure

• Cumin arrivals decline 12% m-o-m in June as peak supply season eases
• Spot prices recover in late June after mid-month weakness on improved buying

India’s cumin (jeera) market witnessed a recovery towards the end of June 2026 after remaining under pressure through May and early June, as declining arrivals and improved buying interest helped stabilise prices. The market largely moved in a consolidation phase, with participants balancing comfortable supply availability against expectations of demand revival.

Lower arrivals support market sentiment

Cumin arrivals declined noticeably in June as the peak marketing season gradually slowed. Total arrivals dropped to 41,679.41 tonnes in June 2026 compared with 47,185.34 tonnes in May, a fall of nearly 12% month-on-month (m-o-m).

Trade sources indicated that growers slowed liquidation at lower price levels, while quality arrivals also started reducing. However, existing inventories with traders and stockists kept overall availability sufficient, limiting aggressive upward price movement.

Prices regain lost ground after mid-June weakness

Cumin prices corrected during early June due to subdued bulk buying and cautious trade activity. Spot prices eased from INR 20,284/quintal on 8 May to INR 19,517/qtl on 12 June, reflecting weak short-term sentiment.

However, buying interest returned in the second half of June as lower arrivals encouraged stockists to cover requirements. Prices rebounded to INR 20,500/qtl by 26 June and remained steady around INR 20,503/qtl on 3 July.

Futures followed a similar trend. The June contract declined to INR 19,010/qtl on 5 June before recovering sharply to INR 20,815/qtl by 19 June, indicating improved market confidence.

Open interest declines as traders remain cautious

Market participation reduced during the period, with open interest falling from 7,426 lots on 5 June to 6,540 lots by 3 July, showing position liquidation amid uncertain price direction.

Outlook

Cumin prices are expected to remain supported in the short term as arrivals continue to ease. However, the pace of export enquiries, overseas buying from key consuming regions, and stockist activity will determine further upside momentum.