Spice exports drop by 26% in the first quarter

Kochi. Data from the Spices Board reveals that total spice exports from the country during the first quarter of the current fiscal year (April–June 2026) fell to 487,688 tonnes, marking a decline of approximately 26% compared to the 654,936 tonnes shipped during the same period last year. However, export earnings rose by 4% to reach ₹138.19 billion. This increase in earnings is attributed to higher export offer prices and the depreciation of the rupee.

Spices that witnessed a sharp decline in exports during the period under review include nutmeg and mace, cumin, coriander, garlic, and fenugreek. Conversely, exports of turmeric, tamarind, and mint products recorded some growth during the same period.

According to the available data, comparing the April–June period of 2026 with 2025, exports of nutmeg and mace dropped from 1,486 tonnes to 1,036 tonnes; cumin shipments fell from 78,278 tonnes to 58,821 tonnes; coriander exports slid from 23,447 tonnes to 18,678 tonnes; garlic shipments declined from 16,260 tonnes to 13,228 tonnes; and fenugreek exports fell from 16,943 tonnes to 12,841 tonnes. Meanwhile, during the same period, turmeric exports improved from 63,020 tonnes to 65,476 tonnes, tamarind exports rose from 15,897 tonnes to 16,242 tonnes, and exports of mint products increased from 7,757 tonnes to 8,477 tonnes.

Additionally, India exported various other spices—including red chili, black pepper, small and large cardamom, and fennel—as well as value-added spice products, generating significant revenue. It is noteworthy that red chili holds the top position in the spice category in terms of both export volume and revenue. India is the leading producer and exporter of spices.