India’s spice exports fall 5.3% in FY26 as chilli, cumin shipments weaken

India’s spice exports declined during FY 2025-26, with both export value and shipment volumes falling amid weak global demand and pressure on key commodities such as chilli, cumin and fennel, according to data released by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade and analysed by the Federation of Indian Spice Stakeholders.

Total spice export earnings dropped 5.3% to US$2.80 billion in FY26 from US$2.96 billion a year earlier. Export volumes also declined 6.4% to 12.16 lakh metric tonnes from nearly 13 lakh metric tonnes in FY25.

Despite the decline, chilli continued to remain India’s largest spice export commodity by both value and quantity. However, chilli exports fell 12.9% in value to US$1.09 billion, while export volumes slipped 4.5% to 568,154 metric tonnes.

Cumin exports also came under pressure during the year, with export value declining 28.4% to US$524.2 million and shipment volumes dropping 14.4%. Fennel recorded the sharpest contraction among major spices, with export value plunging 46.2% and export quantity falling 56.7%.

In contrast, cardamom emerged as the strongest performer in FY26. Cardamom exports more than doubled in value terms, rising 112% to US$449.48 million, while export volumes surged 105.7% to 16,883 metric tonnes, reflecting strong international demand and better price realisations.

Ginger and pepper exports also showed positive momentum. Ginger exports rose 14.3% in value and 10.6% in volume, while pepper export earnings increased 10.1% despite a slight fall in shipment quantity.

Turmeric and coriander exports remained largely stable during the year, with only marginal changes in value and volume.