Key Points
- India's spice exports hit a record $4.72 billion in FY25, a 6% increase from FY24.
- Chilli leads exports (0.71M tonnes), followed by cumin (0.22M tonnes) in FY25.
- China is the top importer of Indian spices, buying $768.50 million in FY25.
India has been called the "Land of Spices" for centuries. This name comes from its long history of spice trade and its many climates, which help almost every kind of spice grow here.
Recent data from the Spices Board of India and the Ministry of Commerce indicate that India's spice industry continues to grow. In 2024-25, India exported spices worth $4.72 billion (about ₹39,500 crore), 6% more than the previous year.
India shipped more than 1.84 million metric tonnes of spices to markets worldwide. The main buyers are China, the USA, the UAE, Bangladesh, and Thailand.
Can you guess which spice India exports the most, both in value and volume? This spice is often called the "fire" of Indian cuisine for its bright red colour and heat.
In this article, we'll explore the variety that leads the global market and why it continues to be India's top export year after year.
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Which Spices Are Exported Most From India?
India is the top country in the spice trade, making nearly 45% of the world’s spices and exporting over 75 different kinds. According to the Spices Board of India, spice exports reached a record $4.72 billion in FY25, which is 6% higher than last year.
> Top Exported Spices (FY25 Data)
India's top spice exports are led by a few main varieties, which together account for 76% of the country's total spice production. These include:
- Chilli: The undisputed leader. In FY25, export volumes jumped 19% to 0.71 million tonnes, with a value of $1.34 billion. China remains the top buyer of Indian chillies.
- Cumin: The second-largest export by volume, reaching 0.22 million tonnes valued at $732 million in FY25.
- Turmeric: Witnessed a massive surge, with export value rising 51% to $341 million due to high global demand for its medicinal properties.
- Spice Oils and Oleoresins: These value-added products contributed significantly, valued at $535.92 million.
- Other Major Spices: Ginger (0.13 million tonnes), coriander, and mint products also hold substantial market shares.
> Major Export Destinations
India ships its "aromatic gold" to 200 destinations. The top markets in FY25 were:
- China: $768.50 million (Primary buyer of Chilli)
- USA: $654.71 million (Focuses on spice oils, celery, and cumin)
- UAE: $355.41 million
- Bangladesh: $340.76 million
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India's Spice Export Comparison (FY24 vs. FY25)
Below is a table comparing India's top exported spices, highlighting changes in their value and volume from FY24 to FY25.
| Spice Category | Export Value FY24 (USD Million) | Export Value FY25 (USD Million) | Value Growth (%) | Export Volume FY25 (Million Tonnes) |
| Chilli | $1,508.94 | $1,340.00 | -11%* | 0.71 |
| Cumin (Jeera) | $700.23 | $732.35 | +4.6% | 0.22 |
| Spice Oils & Oleoresins | $498.01 | $535.92 | +7.6% | — |
| Turmeric | $225.80 | $341.00 | +51% | 0.17 |
| Curry Powder/Paste | $211.60 | $247.59 | +17% | — |
| Ginger | $112.50 | $130.00 | +15% | 0.13 |
Note: While Chilli value saw a dip due to price normalisation, its export volume actually grew by 19% in the same period.
> Key Insights from the Data
- India's total spice exports grew from $4.46 billion in FY24 to a record $4.72 billion in FY25, marking a 6% increase.
- The total volume of spices exported rose to 1.80 million metric tonnes, up from 1.54 million tonnes the year before.
- Turmeric stood out this year, with export value growing by 51%, thanks to increasing global interest in health.
- The steady growth in spice oils and oleoresins shows that India is shifting from exporting raw spices to high-value extracts used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
Who Is The Largest Importer Of Spices From India?
China is the largest importer of Indian spices, buying $768.50 million worth in FY25. Most of its imports are Indian red chillies, which support its large food-processing industry. The USA follows, importing $654.71 million, mainly for spice oils and wellness products.
Which Spices Are In High Demand?
Red chilli is the most popular spice in the world and has the highest export volume. Turmeric exports are growing fast because people value its health benefits. Cumin and cardamom are common in cooking around the globe.
Conclusion
India leads the global spice market thanks to its varied climate and long history of growing spices.
Each year, the country produces 12 million metric tonnes of spices, meeting high domestic demand while also supporting a strong export business.
In FY25, India earned a record $4.72 billion from spice exports, showing how much the world depends on Indian chilli, cumin, and turmeric.
With a goal to reach $10 billion in exports by 2030, India is now focusing more on value-added products like spice oils to keep its reputation as the "Spice Bowl of the World."
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