Spices Export From India: Market Data And Export Guide
Updated: Nov 3
India exported 17.34 lakh tonnes of spices and spice products worth US$ 4,430.90 million (₹ 39,140.11 crore) in 2025-26, which is 6% lower in dollar terms than the record US$ 4,722.65 million in 2024-25. The USA, China, the UAE and Bangladesh are now the biggest buyers.
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 trended upward over the long term, with countries like the USA, China, the UAE and Bangladesh importing heavily from India.
Whilst India is the leading spice exporter in the world, it imports spices from other countries too.
Key Points:
Spice exports from India were worth US 4,722.65 million in 2024-25 and US$ 4,430.90 million in 2025-26
Key spices driving export value: Chilli (27%), cumin (12%), spice oils and oleoresins (12%), small cardamom (9%), mint products (8%), turmeric (7%) and curry powder/paste (6%).
Gujarat, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh are the leading states in spice exports.
Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan lead in India's spice production.
The USA (14%), China (12%), the UAE (9%), Bangladesh (8%), Saudi Arabia (5%), the UK, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia (about 3% each) are the major spice export destinations from India in 2025-26.
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, grew to a record USD 4,722.65 million in 2024-25 before easing to USD 4,430.90 million in 2025-26.
This has kept India as the leading exporter of spices and spice items in the world, with North America, West Asia and North Africa, North-East Asia and ASEAN being the key export regions for India.
Spice exports at a glance: 2025-26 vs 2024-25
Metric | 2024-25 | 2025-26 | Change |
Volume | 17.99 lakh tonnes | 17.34 lakh tonnes | -4% |
Value (₹ crore) | 39,994.48 | 39,140.11 | -2% |
Value (US$ million) | 4,722.65 | 4,430.90 | -6% |
Why did spice exports fall in 2025-26?
Three things explain most of the dip:
Lower prices and shipments of the big three. Chilli, cumin and turmeric all shipped less in value terms. Cumin was hit hardest: value fell 28% on a 14% fall in volume.
A weaker rupee. Value fell 6% in dollars but only 2% in rupees, because the rupee depreciated against the dollar over the year.
A standout in small cardamom. Its export volume and value both more than doubled, which cushioned the fall.
Item-wise performance: 2025-26 vs 2024-25
Spice | Value 2025-26 (US$ million) | Change in value | Change in volume |
Chilli | 1,177 | -12% | -4% |
Cumin | 524 | -28% | -14% |
Turmeric | 327 | -4% | -0.2% |
Small cardamom | 413 | +124% | +124% |
Large cardamom | 36 | +31% | +28% |
Source: Spices Board of India data, as reported by Informist Media
Spice exports in April-June 2026
India's spice exports were US$ 1,098.48 million (₹9,270.87crore) in April-June 2026-27, against imports of US$ 371.57 million. Chilli led the basket at US$ 90.33 million, small cardamom (US$ 56.41 million) and chilli powder (US$ 44.18 million). The USA took 14.98% of exports, China 13.30% and Bangladesh 9.20%.
Top Spice Producing States in India
Various indian states contribute to the overall spice exports from India. Here are some important spices and the top states where they are 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. Andhra Pradesh accounts for about 47% of India's chilli output, followed by Telangana (about 14%), Madhya Pradesh (about 12%) and Karnataka (about 9%).
Maharashtra: The Sangli district is known for bold turmeric fingers and quality coriander. Maharashtra has also emerged as the leading turmeric-producing state, ahead of Telangana and Karnataka.
Gujarat is one of India's largest producers of cumin (jeera), and also grows fenugreek, coriander, and ajwain. Fennel and fenugreek production are anchored in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Rajasthan excels in coriander and cumin cultivation, and led national cumin output in 2025-26. The districts of Baran and Kota are famous for large-scale coriander farming.
Madhya Pradesh leads India in garlic (over 60% of national output), ginger (about 24%) and coriander seed.
Telangana is the second-largest chilli producer and a major turmeric-growing state.
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
India's spice production has grown over the past five years, but it dipped slightly in 2025-26. Production rose from 11.15 million tonnes in 2021-22 to a peak of 12.99 million tonnes in 2024-25, according to the Spices Board. The advance estimate for 2025-26 is 12.82 million tonnes.
Year | Production (million tonnes) |
2021-22 | 11.15 |
2022-23 | 11.83 |
2023-24 | 12.48 |
2024-25 (final) | 12.99 |
2025-26 (advance estimate) | 12.82 |
Increased domestic demand, rising export potential, and government support for organic farming are the major factors driving this growth over the years.
Ginger was the largest spice by volume in 2025-26 at 26.04 lakh tonnes (about 20.3% of output), followed by chilli at 24.64 lakh tonnes (about 19.2%). Turmeric, coriander and cumin are the other top contributors. 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 150 countries worldwide, and a handful of countries consistently dominate the list of top spice importers from India.
According to the Spices Board of India's latest data, the USA was the largest destination for Indian spices in 2025-26 with a 14% share of export value, followed by China (12%), the UAE (9%) and Bangladesh (8%). Earlier Board data for 2024-25 had China as the largest importer, with chillies, mint products and cumin the main imports.
Other major importers include:
USA (14%): Imports Spice Oils & Oleoresins, Chillies and mint products.
China (12%): Chillies, mint products and cumin are the main imports.
UAE (9%): Imports whole spices like cardamom, cumin, black pepper and chillies.
Bangladesh (8%): Major buyers of chillies, cumin and turmeric.
Saudi Arabia (5%): Significant imports of small cardamom, cumin and curry powder/paste.
Thailand (3%): The majority of its import value from India is comprised of chillies, followed by smaller shares in other spice categories.
Malaysia (3%): Primary spice imports are chillies, turmeric and cumin.
Indonesia (3%): Its primary imports include chillies, spice oils & oleoresins, and garlic.
UK (3%), Sri Lanka, Germany, Netherlands, Canada, Nepal and Australia (about 2% each).
The 15 destinations above together account for more than 85% of India's spice export earnings.
Trade Agreements and Tariffs Affecting Spice Exports
Trade policy changed a lot in 2025-26. Check the current duty for your HS code before quoting a price.
UK: The India-UK CETA entered into force on 15 July 2026. Many whole spices already entered the UK duty-free, so the biggest gain is on processed and ground lines. Source: Invest India.
EU: The India-EU FTA was concluded in January 2026 but is not yet in force. EU buyers cannot claim FTA preference until it is signed, ratified and in effect.
EFTA: The India-EFTA TEPA took effect on 1 October 2025.
USA: In February 2026, India and the US announced a framework for an interim trade agreement, under which spices were slated for zero additional duty (Government of India, PIB). The US tariff regime then changed after the Supreme Court's 20 February 2026 ruling that emergency powers do not authorise tariffs, and US duties on Indian goods have continued to evolve since. Confirm the duty on your exact HS line with your customs broker.
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. Register with the Spices Board of India (CRES):
A Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices (CRES) from the Spices Board of India is mandatory for exporting spices and spice products. The Board also issues the Registration cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) that exporters need for its programmes and incentives, and provides compliance and certification guidance.
5. Ensure Product Quality & Safety Compliance:
Spices must meet prescribed quality standards, and for this, you must get certifications like FSSAI, Phytosanitary certificate, ISO, HACCP and organic certifications. Importing markets increasingly ask for batch-wise lab reports on pesticide residues and ethylene oxide.
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, including the preferential certificate of origin where a trade agreement applies.
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.
FAQS
How Much Did India Export In Spices In 2025-26?
India exported 17.34 lakh tonnes of spices and spice products worth US$4,430.90 million (₹39,140.11 crore).
Which Spice Does India Export The Most?
Chilli, at 27% of export value in 2025-26.
Which Country Buys The Most Indian Spices?
The USA, with 14% of export value in 2025-26, followed by China (12%) and the UAE (9%).
Is Spices Board Registration Mandatory To Export Spices?
Yes. A Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices (CRES) is mandatory.
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