India is the world’s largest spice producer. It is also the largest consumer and exporter of spices. The production of different spices has been growing rapidly over the last few years. The production of spices in FY24 was estimated at 12 million metric tonnes. Whereas production in FY23 stood at 11.14 million tonnes compared to 11.12 million tonnes in FY22. During FY23, the export of spices from India stood at US$ 3.73 billion from US$ 3.46 billion in FY22.

During FY22, the single largest spice exported from India was chilli followed by spice oils and oleoresins, mint products, cumin, and turmeric.

India produces about 75 of the 109 varieties which are listed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The most produced and exported spices are pepper, cardamom, chilli, ginger, turmeric, coriander, cumin, celery, fennel, fenugreek, garlic, nutmeg & mace, curry powder, spice oils and oleoresins. Out of these spices, chilli, cumin, turmeric, ginger and coriander makeup about 76% of the total production.

The largest spices-producing states in India are Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Exports Trend

India is the largest exporter of spice and spice items. During FY24 the country exported spices worth US$ 4.46 billion. In FY25 (until December 2024) India exported spices worth Rs. 29,016 crore (US$ 3.36 billion).

For FY23, the country exported spices worth US$ 3.73 billion. In July 2023, the exports of spices from India increased to US$ 298.77 million from US$ 293.84 million in June 2023. From FY17 to FY23, the total exported quantity from India grew at a CAGR of 5.85%.

For FY23, total volumes of chilli, cumin, turmeric, and ginger exports were 0.51, 0.18, 0.17 and 0.05 million tonnes.

During FY23, the export of turmeric, coriander, garlic, curry powder, other spices such as asafoetida, tamarind, etc., expanded both in value and volume as compared to FY22

Major Export Destinations

India exported spices and spice products to 200 destinations worldwide as of FY25 (until December 2024). The top destinations among them were China, the USA, the UAE, Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, UK, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Germany. These 10 destinations comprised more than 60% of the total export earnings in FY25 (until February 2025).

China imported spices valued at Rs. 5,268 crore (US$ 610.05 million) from India, while the USA imported spices worth Rs. 5,136 crore (US$ 594.82 million). UAE imported spices amounting to Rs. 2,766 crore (US$ 320.36 million). Additionally, Bangladesh imported spices worth Rs. 2,639 crore (US$ 305.60 million) from India during FY25 (up to February 2025).

Chilli was the most exported spice from India. During FY23, China imported US$ 409.44 million in chilli. During the same period, the USA imported US$ 96.38 million in chilli.

The main products imported by the USA are celery, cumin, curry powder, fennel, fenugreek, garlic, chilli, and mint products.