Spices Export From India: A Detailed Analysis
- ASHADHAN EXIM PVT LTD
- Jul 11
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 18
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.
In the year 2024-25, the spices export from India was worth 4722.65 million US$ (a 6% increase as compared to the previous year), during which they exported 17.99 lakh tons of spices and spice products. But what spices does India export? From turmeric and cumin to pepper and ginger, India dominates the export charts when it comes to spices. Factors like continued government support, growing demand from the food industry, and increasing health awareness are greatly contributing to substantial spice exports.
So, whether you're a new exporter, a buyer, or simply curious, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about spice exports from India.
Top Spice Producing States in India Contributing to Exports
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 2019-20, the total production was around 10.1 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.
Top Global Exporters of Spices
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
Mexico
Peru
Uzbekistan
Pakistan
Chile
Turkey
Cololmbia
Ethiopia
Top Countries Importing Spices Globally
The demand for spices is universal. Countries like the United States, Germany, China, Vietnam, 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. For instance, the USA and Germany primarily import ground spices and spice blends, while Middle Eastern countries prefer whole spices like cardamom, black pepper, and cumin.
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 for traditional cooking.
Which Countries Are The Top Spices Export Destinations From India?
India’s spice exports reach over 180+ countries, and some countries consistently dominate the list of top importers. According to the Spices Board of India, the United States continues to be the largest buyer, accounting for over 12–15% of India's total spice exports. Other major importers include:
China: Imports chilli, turmeric, and ginger for food processing and herbal medicines.
UAE & Saudi Arabia: Import whole spices like cardamom, cumin, and black pepper due to high culinary usage.
Vietnam: A key buyer of turmeric and dried ginger, often used for re-processing and re-export.
UK and Germany: Demand for spice powders and essential oils used in the processed food and personal care industries.
Bangladesh & Malaysia: Major buyers of dried chilli and coriander.
Documents Required to Export Spices from India
To export spices from India, you must comply with national and international trade regulations. Below is a list of key documents and licenses required:
Import Export Code (IEC): Issued by the DGFT, this is mandatory for any export activity from India.
FSSAI License: For all food-grade products like spices, this license ensures compliance with food safety standards.
GST Registration: Required for taxation and billing purposes.
Spices Board Registration (CRES): All spice exporters must be registered with the Spices Board of India. This also makes them eligible for quality certification, training, and export promotion schemes.
Phytosanitary Certificate: Issued by the Plant Quarantine Department, this certificate confirms that the shipment is free from pests and plant diseases.
Certificate of Origin: Needed to qualify for lower tariffs in certain countries under trade agreements.
Lab Test Reports: Especially for products like turmeric and chilli, these tests include moisture content, microbial safety, and active ingredient levels like curcumin or capsaicin.
Commercial Invoice & Packing List: Standard shipping documents that detail product quantity, value, and packaging.
Bill of Lading or Airway Bill: Required for cargo clearance and tracking.
Spices Board Of India - Governing Body of Indian Spices
The main body governing spices export from India is the Spices Board of India, which operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It is responsible for promotion, quality certification, and R&D related to spices.
Key functions include:
Issuing the Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices (CRES)
Monitoring quality through mandatory lab testing
Promoting Indian spices via international expos and trade fairs
Conclusion
Spices export from India is not just a business; it is a gateway to global trade opportunities. Backed by heritage, quality, and vast agricultural strength, India remains unmatched in the global spice industry. Whether you're looking to start your export journey or source high-grade Indian spices, staying informed and compliant is key.
India's spice exports are only going to rise with increasing demand for natural and authentic ingredients worldwide. The time to act is now. Exporting spices from India can be both profitable and sustainable when done right with proper licenses, quality standards, and market research.
If you're looking for expert support in sourcing or exporting Indian spices, connect with Ashadhan EXIM Pvt. Ltd. today!
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