Spice Exporters Concerned Over Inactivity of US Buyers

23-Mar-2026 01:00 PM

Kochi. Since the outbreak of hostilities between Iran and Israel, US buyers have ceased entering into new import contracts for spices from India.

This is primarily because maritime routes currently remain fraught with danger. Notably, the United States is one of the most significant importers of Indian spices, with annual imports valued at approximately $500 million.

According to trade analysts, if purchasing by US importers remains suspended for an extended period, the supply and availability of spices within the domestic market will surge, potentially leading to a decline in prices.

While exporters are undoubtedly exploring alternative markets—and efforts are underway to reroute shipments to their destinations via different routes—these initiatives have met with limited success thus far.

The effective closure of the US market remains a matter of grave concern for Indian spice growers and exporters.

This situation is not only adversely impacting the overall performance of spice exports but also raises fears of mounting pressure on domestic prices. Consequently, growers are likely to face difficulties in securing remunerative prices for their produce.

Typically, interactions between buyers and suppliers commence in November, during which tentative agreements for the following year are established.

Actual trade transactions take place in subsequent months through mutual engagement; however, this year—even as late as March—US importers have neither reached out to their Indian counterparts nor placed any new orders.