Spices Export From India: Market Data And Export Guide
- ASHADHAN EXIM PVT LTD
- Jul 11, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 17
India has become one of the largest producers and exporters of spices in the world, and rightly so; it is called the land of spices. With spices being an important part of the culinary industry, the export of spices from India has seen an upward trend, with countries like the USA, UK, Bangladesh, and China importing heavily from India. Whilst India is the leading spice exporter in the world, it imports spices from other countries too.
Key Points:
The spices export from India was worth 4722.65 million US$ in the year 2024-25.
Key spices driving export are: Chilli, cumin, turmeric, curry powder, spice oils, and mint products
Gujarat, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh are the leading states in spice exports.
Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan lead in spice production.
China, the USA, the UAE, Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, UK are the major spice export destinations from India.
So, whether you are an importer looking to import spices from India or an exporter looking to start a spice export business, this guide will help you with everything you need to know about spice exports from India in detail.
The Indian Spice Export Market Data
The spice industry contributes to nearly 9% of India's agricultural exports, and India has been producing and exporting a variety of spices to global markets.
The spice export value, which once stood at USD 2,267.67 million in 2013-14, has seen a rapid growth and reached USD 4722.65 million in the year 2024-25.
This has cemented India as the leading exporter of spices and spice items in the world, with NAFTA, WANA, NEA, and ASEAN being the key export regions for India.
Top Spice Producing States in India
Various indian states contribute to the overall spices export from India. Here are some important spices and the top states where it is produced.
Kerala, also known as the land of spices, is the largest producer of black pepper and cardamom. It also grows nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon, making it a spice diversity hub.
Tamil Nadu is particularly famous for Erode turmeric, which is bright yellow and rich in curcumin. It also produces cumin, fennel, and coriander.
Andhra Pradesh: Guntur in Andhra Pradesh is globally renowned for its red chillies, especially the Guntur Sannam variety. These chillies are rich in capsaicin and used for both culinary and pharmaceutical purposes.
Maharashtra: The Sangli district is known for bold turmeric fingers and quality coriander.
Gujarat is India's largest producer of cumin (jeera), and also grows fenugreek, coriander, and ajwain.
Rajasthan excels in coriander and cumin cultivation. The districts of Baran and Kota are famous for large-scale coriander farming.
Karnataka: Coorg and Chikmagalur in Karnataka are famous for growing pepper, ginger, and cardamom.
Odisha: Kandhamal and Koraput are emerging as organic spice hubs, especially for turmeric and ginger.
West Bengal produces moderate amounts of turmeric, ginger, and chilli, with growing infrastructure for spice processing and packaging.
India's Spices Export & Production Over the Last 5 Years
Over the past five years, India's spice production has grown consistently. In 2020-21, the total production was around 11.04 million tonnes. By 2024-25, this number has reached 11.9 million tonnes, according to the Spices Board. Increased domestic demand, rising export potential, and government support for organic farming are the major factors driving this growth over the years.
Turmeric, chilli, ginger, coriander and cumin are the top contributors to this production growth. Among them, Chilli and cumin are two of the most common spices exported from India.
Leading Spice Exporting Countries in the World
Apart from India, several countries play a major role in the global spice trade. Here are some top spice-exporting countries in the world:
Vietnam
China
Netherlands
Mexico
Peru
Uzbekistan
Pakistan
Chile
Turkey
Indonesia
Ethiopia
Top Countries Importing Spices Globally
The demand for spices is universal. Countries like the United States, Germany, Malaysia, the UK, and Saudi Arabia are among the top importers of spices, and they import spices in various forms, like whole, ground, oleoresins, or essential oils.
The top spice-importing countries include:
United States: A leading buyer of turmeric, chilli, and ginger for the culinary and supplement industries.
Germany: Imports organic spices for natural food production.
UAE and Saudi Arabia: Bulk buyers of cumin, chilli, and black pepper.
UK and Netherlands: Prefer value-added spice products and blends.
Bangladesh and Malaysia: Import whole and ground spices.
Which Countries Does India Export Spices To?
India’s spice exports reach more than countries worldwide, and some countries consistently dominate the list of top spice importers from India.
According to the Spices Board of India's latest data, China has been the largest spice importer from India globally in 2024-25, with Chillies, Mint products and cumin being the main imports.
Other major importers include:
USA: Imports Spice Oils & Oleoresins, Chillies and mint products.
Bangladesh: Major buyers of chillies, cumin and turmeric.
UAE: Import whole spices like cardamom, cumin, black pepper and chillies.
Thailand: The majority of its import value from India is comprised of Chillies, followed by smaller shares in other spice categories
Indonesia: Its primary imports include Chillies, Spice Oils & Oleoresins, and Garlic
Malaysia: Malaysia’s primary spice imports in 2024-25 were Chillies, Turmeric, and Cumin.
Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia has significant imports of Small Cardamom, Cumin, and Curry Powder/Paste
How To Export Spices From India?
To start a spice export business and export spices from India, you must follow certain steps. Below is a list of things you must follow:
1. Identify the Right Spice Products:
Select spices based on global demand, buyer preferences, and suitability for export in terms of quality and shelf life.
2. Set Up Your Export Business:
Ensure your business is legally registered with the appropriate authorities to operate as an export-oriented entity.
3. Obtain an import export license (IEC):
Apply for an Importer Exporter Code, which is mandatory for carrying out any export transactions from India.
4. Enrol with the Spices Board of India:
Registering with the Spices Board helps in compliance, certification, and access to industry guidance for spice exports.
5. Ensure Product Quality & Safety Compliance:
Spices must meet prescribed quality, and for this, you must get certifications like FSSAI, Phytosanitary certificate, ISO, HACCP and organic certifications.
6. Use Export-Ready Packaging & Labelling:
Follow international packaging and labelling norms to protect the product and provide accurate shipment information.
7. Connect with International Buyers:
Find buyers through trade inquiries, export portals, referrals, or direct business networking.
8. Plan Logistics & Shipping Method:
Choose the most suitable mode of transport and coordinate shipping to ensure timely and safe delivery.
9. Decide on Secure Payment Terms:
Finalize payment methods such as advance payment, LC, or other agreed terms to reduce transaction risk.
10. Follow Destination Country Import Regulations
Understand and comply with the import rules, food laws, and customs requirements of the buyer’s country.
Conclusion
India remains a prominent player in the spice export industry. So if you're looking to start your export business or source high-grade Indian spices, staying informed and compliant is a key factor.
As spice production in India increases, India's spice exports are also going to rise. Yes, there will be challenges and risks like price fluctuations and quality mismatches that every business has to endure to be profitable and sustainable.
If you're looking for expert support in sourcing or exporting Indian spices, connect with Ashadhan EXIM Pvt Ltd today, and we’ll help you out.
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