Impact of the West Asia Crisis on Cardamom Exports

Idukki. Although there are significant inquiries from traditional importers regarding the purchase of small (green) cardamom, no major confirmed deals have been reported. India exports large quantities of cardamom to countries in West Asia, the Middle East, and the Gulf region, but the prevailing atmosphere of unrest there is causing shipment delays and driving up shipping costs. Iran is already embroiled in a severe conflict involving India and Israel, while Houthi rebels from Yemen have begun targeting Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are two of the leading importers of Indian cardamom.

However, Indian exporters remain undeterred by this challenging situation. With a weak harvest in Guatemala this season, demand for Indian cardamom in the Gulf region is expected to remain strong. This robust export demand is likely to keep cardamom prices firm in the domestic market.

Harvesting and processing of the new cardamom crop are in full swing across major producing regions. These areas have received good rainfall, and further rains are anticipated. While there were earlier fears of a steep 30 percent decline in green cardamom production for the 2026-27 season, the drop is now expected to be less severe; indeed, the crop condition could improve further if the region receives good Northeast monsoon rainfall.