The export of spices from India continued its upward trend and crossed $3.6 billion for the first time. Exports during 2020-21 were at 1,565,000 tons valued at $3,624 million against 1,208,400 tons valued at $3,110 million in the previous financial year. This was an all-time record in terms of both volume and value. Compared to 2019-20, the exports increased 30% in quantity and 23% in value. In dollar terms, the increase was 17%.
Indian spices and spice products were exported to 180 destinations globally in 2020-21. The leading destinations among them were China, USA, Bangladesh, Thailand, UAE, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, UK, Indonesia, and Germany. These ten destinations contributed more than 70 per cent of the total export earnings during 2020-21. During this period, chilies were the single largest spice exported from the country followed by mint products, cumin, spice oils and oleoresins, and turmeric constituting 80 per cent of the total spices export from the country.
State-owned Spices Board has digitized essential compliance procedures to streamline the business in India. As a result, methods for issuing Certificates of Registration for Spice Exports is now effected completely online. India’s Commerce Ministry is now reviewing the Spices Board Act in order to remove restrictive measures and create a more business-friendly environment.
The Indian spice industry hopes to increase the share of value-added products in the export basket from 50% to 70% by 2026.
Last updated: December 26th, 2025
