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May 19, 2026. Indian cardamom exports have witnessed a strong revival in the global market, with shipments reportedly doubling in recent months despite continuing tensions in West Asia. The sharp increase in demand has mainly been driven by a severe crop failure in Guatemala, India’s leading competitor in the global cardamom trade. Industry sources said Guatemala’s production declined by nearly 50 per cent due to adverse La Nina weather conditions and pest attacks, creating a major supply gap in the international market. As a result, global buyers are increasingly turning towards premium Indian bold-grade cardamom to maintain supplies. Exporters from Bodinayakanur stated that overseas buyers are willing to bear higher freight charges and adopt alternative shipping routes to secure Indian consignments, even as concerns remain over cargo movement through the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf trade routes. The domestic cardamom market has also remained firm despite geopolitical uncertainties. Auction prices are currently ruling between ₹2,200 and ₹2,350 per kilogram, supported by strong export demand and limited global availability. Planters from Kerala’s Idukki region said the current harvesting season is gradually nearing completion, with light arrivals expected till June. The 2025–26 crop is estimated between 35,000 and 37,000 tonnes due to improved weather conditions and better crop maintenance by farmers. Although April’s heatwave initially affected plantations, timely showers during May helped the crop recover considerably. Farmers report that plantations are presently in healthy condition, raising expectations for a better crop in the coming season. Industry participants believe that with normal rainfall and continued farm management, India’s cardamom production could touch 40,000 tonnes next season. Rising exports along with stable domestic demand are expected to keep prices firm even during periods of heavy arrivals. However, growers remain concerned over the sharp increase in fertiliser and agrochemical prices, which may significantly raise cultivation costs in the months ahead. Despite ongoing shipping disruptions and higher freight costs linked to the West Asia crisis, India’s spice export sector continues to show resilience as exporters explore safer and alternative logistics routes to maintain global trade flows.