Turmeric Export from India: The Ultimate Guide
- ASHADHAN EXIM PVT LTD
- Jul 4, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 26
India accounts for over 80% of the world’s turmeric production, making it a global leader in the turmeric trade. With rising global demand in industries like food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and wellness, exporting turmeric from India has become one of the most profitable agri-business opportunities.
Several Indian states contribute to the overall turmeric production of the country, which has led to a great deal of turmeric exports from India over the years to several countries in the world. According to Press Information Bureau (PIB) In 2024-25 alone, India exported 176,325 metric tonnes of turmeric, and this number continues to increase.
So, whether you are an aspiring turmeric exporter or an international buyer, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about turmeric export from India.
Key Points Covered
Forms of Turmeric Exported From India
India exports turmeric in various forms to cater to the specific needs of different global markets, industries, and applications. These include:
Turmeric Finger – A raw dried form of turmeric, directly obtained after boiling and drying the harvested roots.
Turmeric Powder – Made by finely grinded dried turmeric fingers and is widely used in culinary applications across the globe for its distinct flavour, vibrant colour, and health benefits.
Black Turmeric – A rarer type of turmeric used in medicinal and spiritual purposes, often exported in small quantities in countries with strong herbal medicine markets.
Turmeric Exports From India - Licenses and Certifications Required
To legally export turmeric from India, you need to comply with certain licensing and certification guidelines:
Mandatory Documents & Licenses:
Import-Export Code (IEC) – The IEC is issued by DGFT and is the first requirement.
FSSAI License – For food-grade turmeric exports.
APEDA Registration – Ensures that the turmeric meets the necessary standards.
Phytosanitary Certificate – To confirm the product is pest-free and disease-free.
Spices Board Registration – Recommended for quality assurance and export subsidies.
Certificate of Origin – Needed for tariff benefits in importing countries.
Lab Testing Report – Includes curcumin content, moisture %, and mesh size.
GST Registration – For taxation compliance.
How Profitable Is It To Export Indian Turmeric
The profit margins in turmeric exports are highly attractive. A 25 kg bag of turmeric finger in bulk may cost around INR 2,200–2,800 in the Indian market and can be sold internationally for $45–55, depending on quality and destination.
Factors like minimising middlemen, ensuring quality compliance, and building strong buyer relationships can help turmeric exporters earn a margin of 15–30% or higher.
How The Global Turmeric Market Is Progressing
The global turmeric market was valued at USD 4.9 billion in 2025, and it is projected to reach USD 8.4 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 5.5%. This growth is driven by increasing awareness and preferences by consumers about the use of turmeric in various sectors like food, health and skincare.
Top countries Importing Turmeric In the world
Here is a comprehensive list of the top countries importing Turmeric:
Bangladesh,
US,
China,
Iran,
India,
Malaysia,
UAE,
Saudi Arabia,
Japan,
UK,
Germany,
Netherlands,
Morocco.
Countries like the United States, UAE, Bangladesh, Iran, Malaysia, Japan, Germany, and the UK are among the top importers of turmeric. These nations import turmeric in various forms, which are powder, finger, and processed extracts, for use in culinary products, dietary supplements, and cosmetics.
How India Dominates The Turmeric Production
India is the largest producer and exporter of turmeric in the world, contributing to nearly 80–85% of global output. The total turmeric exports from India over the last three years were 1.45 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, 1.67 lakh tonnes in 2023-24, and 1.53 lakh tonnes in 2022-23, with a major portion going to the US, UAE, and Bangladesh.
Here is a breakdown of how the total production stood over the last few years.
Top Turmeric Producing States in India:
India, being the highest producer of turmeric, is mainly because of the contribution from several states specialising in growing turmeric varieties of different colour, aroma, and curcumin content. These states have the ideal climate and soil conditions, playing a vital role in the production of high-quality turmeric.
Below is the list of the top turmeric producing states in India:
Telangana: Known as the Turmeric Capital of India, Nizamabad produces turmeric with high curcumin content.
Andhra Pradesh: In Andhra Pradesh, districts like Guntur and Kadapa are major contributors to India’s turmeric production. Andhra turmeric is popular for its bright yellow colour and is often preferred in powder and curcumin extraction industries.
Maharashtra: Sangli is a major turmeric-growing region in Maharashtra. Its turmeric is favoured for its bold fingers.
Tamil Nadu: Erode district in Tamil Nadu is well-known for its distinctive variety of turmeric called Erode Turmeric.
Karnataka:
Chamarajanagar and Belgaum are popular producers of turmeric in Karnataka. Turmeric from Karnataka is often used in ayurvedic formulations and spice blends.
Odisha: Koraput and Kandhamal districts grow both conventional and organic turmeric.
West Bengal: West Bengal produces turmeric with moderate curcumin levels, mostly used domestically. However, districts like Bankura and Purulia have growing trade links.
Turmeric Exports From India Over The Years
As you can see from the above table, India has consistently contributed more than half of the world’s total turmeric export value, maintaining a share between 58% and 66%. This clearly highlights India as the leading turmeric exporter worldwide.
While export quantities have seen small ups and downs each year, overall volumes have remained stable and strong.
Factors like crop yield, demand, and market prices influence these changes. Even with fluctuations, India continues to be a reliable source of quality turmeric for global markets.
Turmeric Export Process: A Step-by-Step Overview
Exporting turmeric from India involves a well-defined process to ensure quality, compliance, and smooth international delivery. Below is a step-by-step overview of how to export turmeric from India.
Step 1: Sourcing Quality Turmeric
The process starts with sourcing turmeric from reliable farmers, traders, or mandis located in major turmeric-producing regions of India. Export-grade turmeric is selected based on maturity, color, and overall quality to meet buyer requirements.
Step 2: Cleaning & Drying
Once sourced, the turmeric is cleaned to remove soil, stones, and other impurities. It is then dried either naturally under the sun or using controlled drying methods to achieve the required moisture level and improve shelf life.
Step 3: Processing, Grinding & Testing
If turmeric powder is being exported, the dried turmeric is ground under hygienic conditions. The product is then tested for key quality parameters such as moisture content, curcumin percentage, and color to ensure it meets export standards.
Step 4: Packaging & Storage
The processed turmeric is packed in export-suitable packaging such as HDPE bags, jute bags, or buyer-specified packs, commonly in 25 kg or 50 kg quantities. Proper storage conditions are maintained to preserve freshness before shipment.
Step 5: Documentation & Compliance
Before shipment, all required export documents are prepared. This includes the IEC, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate (if applicable), and other destination-specific compliance documents.
Step 6: Customs Clearance, Logistics & Shipping
The final step involves moving the turmeric to the port, completing customs clearance, and shipping the cargo as per the agreed mode of transport. Once shipped, export documents are shared with the buyer to complete the transaction smoothly.
Why Choose Ashadhan for Bulk Turmeric Supply?
At Ashadhan EXIM Pvt. Ltd., we specialise in delivering high-grade turmeric with:
Verified curcumin content (up to 3–4%)
Custom packaging solutions
Private labelling support
Lab-tested quality
Efficient port-side logistics
Whether you're looking for turmeric powder in bulk or raw turmeric finger, we cater to importers, wholesalers, and private brands across the US, UAE, Europe, and more.