Exports of Indian spices dropped by 6.1% from US$4.72 billion in 2024/2025 to US$4.43 billion in 2025/2026.
China, which has traditionally been the biggest buyer of Indian spices, has sharply reduced its purchase of chilli and cumin during the 2025/2026 period. This is due to higher domestic production of these spices in China. Meanwhile, the US overtook China to become the largest buyer of Indian spices during this period.
Spice exports to the US dropped from US$711.16 million in 2024/2025 to US$624.35 million in value during 2025/2026, mainly due to tariff uncertainties which hurt shipments. Spice exports to China dropped significantly from US$769.6 million to US$518.98 million in the same period.
The US has been the largest buyer of Indian pepper, turmeric and spice oleoresins. Pepper and turmeric exports to the US registered an increase, while spice oleoresins saw a decline during the year.
In terms of volume, China is still the largest buyer however, in value terms, the US has surpassed China as the largest buyer for Indian spices.
China saw very good spice crop of around 85,000-90,000 tonnes in 2025/2026, thereby reducing its purchases from India. Looking forward, demand from China will further reduce due to a bigger crop season in 2026 and beyond.
