India’s spice exports touched a record $4.72 billion in FY25, up 6% from the previous year, driven by strong global demand for cumin, turmeric, spice oils, and pepper. Despite a price dip, chilli remained the top export in terms of volume and value. Turmeric exports surged 51% in value, while pepper and small cardamom also posted impressive gains. The country now aims to double exports to $10 billion by 2030. While mint exports held steady, curry powders and pastes grew 17%. These figures reaffirm India’s position as the world’s largest spice exporter and underline the sector’s promising global demand outlook.
India’s spice exports touched an all-time high of $4.72 billion in FY25, marking a 6% growth over the $4.46 billion recorded in the previous year. The rise was led by robust global demand for cumin, turmeric, spice oils/oleoresins, and pepper.
Despite being the largest spice export item, chilli exports saw an 11% decline in value at $1.34 billion due to price corrections. However, export volumes jumped nearly 19% to 7.15 lakh tonnes, indicating sustained demand.
Cumin, the second-largest spice export, saw a 5% increase in value to $732.35 million and over 6% growth in volume to 6.17 lakh tonnes. Turmeric exports soared 51% to $341 million, supported by higher volumes. Similarly, spice oils and oleoresins rose 8% in value and 12% in volume, touching $535.92 million.
Other notable gains included pepper, which surged 40% in value to $124.54 million, and small cardamom, which jumped 53% to $184.65 million. Curry powders and pastes also rose 17% in value, touching $247.59 million.
Mint product exports remained steady, with marginal changes in both value and volume. The sector’s overall performance underscores India’s strength as the world’s largest spice producer and exporter.
Looking ahead, the country is eyeing ambitious targets — $10 billion by 2030 and $25 billion by 2047, leveraging both traditional exports and value-added spice products.
