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Turmeric ₹15,600–15,700 / Qtl◆Red Chilli Teja ₹14,500–17,000 / Qtl◆Cumin ₹21,500–22,500 / Qtl◆1121 Basmati Steam ₹8,600–9,600◆Chana Dal ₹6,550–7,000◆Urad Dal ₹9,400–10,200◆Walnut Kernels ₹1,200–1,500 / kg◆Raisins Medium ₹50,000–55,000 / 40kg◆Coriander ₹7,800–8,200 / Qtl◆Mustard ₹5,400–5,600 / Qtl◆Turmeric ₹15,600–15,700 / Qtl◆Red Chilli Teja ₹14,500–17,000 / Qtl◆Cumin ₹21,500–22,500 / Qtl◆1121 Basmati Steam ₹8,600–9,600◆Chana Dal ₹6,550–7,000◆Urad Dal ₹9,400–10,200◆Walnut Kernels ₹1,200–1,500 / kg◆Raisins Medium ₹50,000–55,000 / 40kg◆Coriander ₹7,800–8,200 / Qtl◆Mustard ₹5,400–5,600 / Qtl◆

US Overtakes China as Largest Buyer of Indian Spices in FY 2025–26; Exports Decline Amid Weak Chinese Demand

June 30, 2026: In a major shift in India's spice export market, the United States has overtaken China as the largest buyer of Indian spices in value terms during the financial year 2025–26. The change comes after China sharply reduced its imports of key Indian spices such as cumin (jeera) and red chilli, mainly due to higher domestic production. According to the latest trade data, India's total spice exports declined by 6.1% in value during FY 2025–26, falling to US$4.43 billion from US$4.72 billion in FY 2024–25. The decline was largely driven by weaker demand from China, which has traditionally been India's biggest overseas market for spices. Exports to the United States stood at US$624.35 million during FY 2025–26, compared with US$711.16 million in the previous year. Although shipments to the US also declined due to lower export volumes and tariff-related challenges, the country emerged as India's largest spice market in value terms. The US remained a strong buyer of black pepper, turmeric and spice oleoresins, with exports of pepper and turmeric showing growth, while shipments of spice oleoresins declined. Meanwhile, exports to China recorded a much sharper fall. The value of spice exports to China dropped by 32%, declining from US$769.58 million in FY 2024–25 to US$518.98 million in FY 2025–26. The slowdown follows a record performance in FY 2023–24, when exports to China had reached US$928.28 million, supported by shipments of more than 3.09 lakh tonnes of spices. The sharp decline was mainly seen in cumin and chilli exports. Cumin exports to China fell by 76% in volume and 80% in value during FY 2025–26 as China produced a larger domestic crop. Similarly, red chilli exports to China declined by 11% in volume and 21% in value, reflecting reduced import requirements. Industry experts believe China's improving agricultural production has significantly changed global spice trade dynamics. According to Emmanuel Nambusseril, Chairman of the All India Spices Exporters Forum, China has increased cultivation of high-pungency chillies, reducing its dependence on Indian imports. Trade sources also indicate that China harvested around 85,000–90,000 tonnes of cumin during the last season and is expected to produce an even larger crop in 2026 due to favourable weather conditions and improved farming practices. Despite the slowdown in Chinese demand, Indian exporters remain optimistic about expanding sales to high-value markets such as the United States, Europe and the Middle East. Growing demand for premium spices, value-added products and spice extracts is expected to support India's export performance in the coming months, although competition from producing countries and global demand trends will continue to influence the market. The shift in export destinations highlights the changing landscape of the global spice trade, with Indian exporters increasingly focusing on diversified markets to reduce dependence on any single buyer.