Cardamom Exports Slow as High Prices and Monsoon Uncertainty Weigh on Demand

August 04 2026. India’s cardamom export market is witnessing subdued overseas demand as domestic prices continue to rise sharply. The slowdown is not due to weaker consumption, but because importers are becoming cautious and prefer to buy in smaller lots rather than build large inventories. Buyers in key overseas markets are closely tracking monsoon progress and waiting for clearer signals on the upcoming crop before placing larger orders. Exporters said many importers are delaying fresh purchases in anticipation of a possible price correction or stability once rainfall conditions become clearer. Long-term demand for premium Indian green cardamom remains strong, but current buying sentiment is restrained. The rise in prices has reduced export enquiries, while domestic bulk buying has also slowed and retail consumers are shifting toward smaller pack sizes. Market prices are currently hovering between ₹3,000 and ₹3,300 per kg, compared with the earlier range of ₹2,700 to ₹2,900 per kg. The price surge has made traders and buyers more cautious, especially as the new crop season begins. Attention in the cardamom industry has now shifted from auction centres to plantations, where weather conditions are expected to play a major role in determining the market direction. Deficient monsoon rainfall in June and July has affected crop prospects, with poor fruit setting and droppings reported across growing regions. Initial estimates suggest crop losses of around 20% to 25%, and this may increase further if August also sees weak rainfall. Although recent rains have brought some relief, a dry spell and high temperatures are expected again from mid-August, which could create fresh concerns for growers. Soil pests such as root grub and nematodes are also affecting plantations and contributing to lower productivity. The upcoming crop is now estimated at around 33,000 tonnes, down from the earlier projection of 40,000 tonnes. Last season’s final output stood at 37,733 tonnes. Despite the short-term slowdown in export demand, the overall cardamom market remains in deficit. Production concerns in India, along with expectations of a higher crop in Guatemala, are likely to keep prices firm in the near and medium term. Upcountry demand is expected to improve in August, but the market continues to face a challenging phase marked by lower production and elevated prices. With weather developments likely to shape the next crop, the industry is watching the monsoon closely.