India’s spice exports hit $4.72 billion in FY25: what it means for buyers
India’s spice exports reached an all-time high of $4.72 billion in FY25 (April 2024 to March 2025), up 6% from $4.46 billion the year before (India Seatrade News).
The products behind the number
| Product | FY25 export value | Change in value | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chilli | $1.34 billion | −11% | 7.15 lakh tonnes, up ~19% |
| Cumin | $732 million | +5% | 6.17 lakh tonnes, up over 6% |
| Turmeric | $341 million | +51% | Higher volumes |
Source: India Seatrade News.
What it means for importers
- Chilli: more volume at lower prices. Shipments rose sharply while value fell, which points to lower prices per tonne. Buyers had more room to negotiate.
- Cumin: steady growth. Volume and value both grew modestly. Gujarat’s Unjha market remains the centre of the trade, so new-crop arrivals there (around February to April) still set the year’s price direction. See our cumin buyer’s guide.
- Turmeric: strong demand. A 51% rise in value shows demand outpacing supply. Expect firm prices, and book quality lots early.
Where supply is organised
The Spices Board of India runs buyer-seller meets that link farmers, FPOs, traders and exporters. For example, a seed-spice meet for the Unjha region was held in Ahmedabad on 11 March 2026 (Spices Board). These meetings are one way exporters source directly from farmer groups.
How to use this when buying
- Fix grade and moisture in every contract, whatever the market is doing.
- For volatile products like cumin, compare a spot price with a forward price before the season.
- Ask for a pre-shipment sample and lab COA for every lot.
Request a quote for cumin, chilli, turmeric or any seed spice.