Call to include spices in new export promotion scheme

14-Nov-2025 07:54 PM

Kochi. The World Spice Organization (WSO) has urged the Indian government to include spices and spice products in the new export promotion scheme.

The scheme began on November 12th. The organization states that US tariffs are adversely affecting spice exports from India, and that including spices in the new scheme could provide some relief to producers and exporters.

The WSO Chairman states that the spice sector contributed significantly to the Indian economy during the last year, amounting to approximately ₹39,000 crore. Approximately 16 percent of India's spice exports are to the United States alone, but a hefty 50 percent customs duty has now been imposed, severely impacting shipments.

The organization is organizing a two-day national conference in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. The conference began today, November 14th, and will continue tomorrow, November 15th.

This conference is deliberating on measures and methods to improve the quality of spices, maintain production sustainability, and streamline market linkages within the spice industry.

According to the Chairman, there is tremendous potential for increasing Indian spice exports to the vast markets of Southeast Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe.

The government should provide full support to the industry to capitalize on this opportunity. This golden opportunity can be capitalized on with government support.

The spice market in Africa and Southeast Asia has reached $14.20 billion, but the United States and China currently dominate, with a combined export share of 30 percent, while India's share is only $600 million. Increasing exports to Africa and Southeast Asia can help fill the gap in the American market.