· indian spices · 3 min read

Indian Spice Exports on the Global Stage

India, known as 'The Spice Capital,' dominates the global spice trade, accounting for half of all spice exports.

India, known as 'The Spice Capital,' has long been a prolific source of exotic spices cherished worldwide for their unique flavors and medicinal qualities. With nearly 75 of the 109 ISO-recognized spice varieties, India dominates the global spice trade, accounting for half of all spice exports. In the fiscal year 2020, Indian spice exports surged to a substantial US$ 3.65 billion, indicating a consistent upward trend.

Indian Xporter: The Spice Export Leader

India is renowned as ‘The Land of Spices,’ with a rich history of exporting aromatic and flavorful treasures to the world. The unique qualities, including aroma, texture, and taste, along with the medicinal properties of Indian spices, have contributed to their global popularity. India boasts around 75 of the 109 varieties listed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), making it a key player in the global spice trade, accounting for half of all spice exports. This sector has witnessed rapid growth in recent years.

Global Spice Market Overview

In the fiscal year 2020, India exported spices worth US$ 3.65 billion, marking a consistent rise in exports. In 2019, 1.10 million tonnes of spices and spice products, valued at US$ 2.80 billion, were exported. The trend continued in 2018, with 1.02 million tonnes of spices worth US$ 2.78 billion exported. This growth signifies a 7% increase in volume. The demand for Indian spices is on the upswing, with a 10% year-on-year increase in export value.

Most Exported Spices from India

  • Chilli: India is a top producer and exporter of chilli, with exports reaching 468,500 tonnes in 2018-2019.

  • Cumin: Cumin seeds, known for their aroma and health benefits, are widely exported, with 180,300 tonnes exported.

  • Turmeric: India is a leading global exporter of turmeric, utilized in cooking, cosmetics, and health applications.

  • Cardamom: Used as a spice and for medicinal purposes, cardamom exports reached 860 tonnes in 2018-19.

  • Ginger: India is a major ginger producer, exporting approximately US$ 31.5 million worth of ginger in 2018.

  • Pepper: Pepper exports increased by 21% to 8,200 tonnes in 2019-2020.

  • Nutmeg: Exported to various countries and used in the manufacturing industry.

  • Fenugreek: Exported at an average of about 21,800 metric tonnes annually.

  • Cinnamon: Exported to countries including the USA, Canada, Australia, UK, and New Zealand.

Major Export Destinations for Indian Spices

India exports spices to around 140 countries, with key destinations being:

  1. USA: The largest importer of Indian spices, with exports valued at around 37.4 billion Indian rupees in fiscal year 2019.

  2. China: The second-largest importer, with exports worth approximately 31.38 billion Indian rupees.

  3. Vietnam: A significant market, with exports of spices from India reaching 16.93 billion Indian rupees.

  4. Iran: Indian spices are exported to Iran, with exports valued at 12.05 billion Indian rupees in 2019.

  5. Thailand: A substantial importer, with exports valued at around 9.24 billion Indian rupees.

Quality Control & Standards

Maintaining quality control and adherence to standards is vital for the food export industry. The Spices Board of India plays a crucial role in this, ensuring that Indian spices meet global quality standards. They offer certification and registration for exporters and actively promote Indian spices internationally. This helps in establishing trust and reliability in the global spice market.

In conclusion, the spice export industry from India is thriving due to the increasing demand for these aromatic treasures globally. Indian Xporter is a trusted partner for those seeking to enter this lucrative market, providing comprehensive support, from finding buyers to handling documentation and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. For all your spice export needs, For more visit https://indianxporter.com today!

Back to Blog