Indian spice prices vary enormously between varieties — from a few hundred dollars per MT for commodity spices like coriander to over twenty thousand dollars per MT for cardamom. Within a single variety, quality grade, processing form, and season can also create wide price ranges. This guide gives you a current snapshot of FOB prices across India's major export spices in 2026, with enough context to evaluate quotes you receive from suppliers.
All prices are indicative FOB rates from major Indian ports. Actual prices depend on specific quality parameters, order quantity, and current market conditions. Always request a fresh quote before finalising any purchase.
Indian Spice Export Price Summary — 2026
| Spice | Form | FOB Price (USD/MT) |
|---|---|---|
| Red Chilli — Teja S17 | Whole dried, with stem | $1,200 – $1,800 |
| Red Chilli — S4 | Whole dried | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| Red Chilli — Byadgi | Whole dried | $1,100 – $1,600 |
| Red Chilli — Kashmiri | Whole dried | $1,400 – $2,200 |
| Red Chilli Powder | Ground, 25kg bags | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Turmeric — Erode Fingers | Whole, standard | $1,200 – $1,600 |
| Turmeric — Nizamabad Bulb | Whole, high curcumin | $1,500 – $2,100 |
| Turmeric Powder | Ground, standard grade | $1,500 – $2,000 |
| Cumin (Jeera) | Whole seed, Gujarat/Rajasthan | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| Cumin Powder | Ground, 25kg bags | $2,200 – $3,800 |
| Coriander Seeds | Whole, Eagle/Scooter variety | $800 – $1,400 |
| Coriander Powder | Ground | $1,000 – $1,600 |
| Black Pepper — Bold | Whole, 550 GL+ | $4,500 – $6,500 |
| Black Pepper — Light | Whole, 500–549 GL | $3,800 – $5,500 |
| White Pepper | Whole | $5,500 – $8,000 |
| Cardamom — Green | Whole bold (7mm+) | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Cardamom — Medium | Whole (6–7mm) | $12,000 – $18,000 |
| Ginger — Dried | Whole dried fingers | $1,200 – $1,800 |
| Fenugreek Seeds | Whole | $700 – $1,100 |
| Fennel Seeds | Whole, bold | $1,200 – $1,800 |
| Mustard Seeds — Yellow | Whole | $600 – $950 |
| Mustard Seeds — Black | Whole | $700 – $1,100 |
These are indicative FOB ranges as of early 2026. Spice prices are highly seasonal and can move significantly within weeks. Always request a current quote — and always specify the exact quality parameters (moisture content, admixture, etc.) to ensure you are comparing equivalent products across suppliers.
Price Drivers — What Moves Indian Spice Prices
Red Chilli — Guntur Arrivals and Monsoon
Chilli prices are driven primarily by Kharif crop performance in Andhra Pradesh. The Guntur market daily arrivals are the primary price indicator. Poor monsoon or pest attack in Guntur and Khammam districts can push prices up 30–50% within a season. Global industrial demand from paprika manufacturers in the USA and EU creates a secondary price floor for high-ASTA colour varieties like Byadgi and Kashmiri.
Turmeric — Erode and Nizamabad Harvests
Turmeric follows a Rabi harvest cycle (January–March). New crop arrivals in January typically soften prices. The pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industry's growing demand for high-curcumin varieties has created a structural upward trend in premium grade turmeric prices over the past five years.
Cumin — Rajasthan and Gujarat Crop
Cumin is one of the most volatile Indian spices in terms of price. The entire crop is concentrated in Rajasthan and Gujarat, and even a localised crop failure in these regions can dramatically tighten global supply. Cumin prices in India have experienced swings of 100–200% between weak and strong years. The Unjha market in Gujarat is the primary price benchmark for Indian cumin.
Black Pepper — Kerala and Vietnam Competition
India's black pepper trade is significantly influenced by Vietnam, which is the world's largest pepper producer. When Vietnamese supply is strong, Indian pepper faces competitive pressure. When Vietnam has a poor crop, Indian pepper prices benefit. Kerala's pepper harvest (December–February) sets the domestic price baseline.
Cardamom — The Premium Spice
Green cardamom from Kerala and Karnataka commands the highest prices of any Indian spice. Guatemala is the world's largest cardamom producer and the primary competitor to India. When Guatemalan crops are strong, Indian cardamom prices soften. Cardamom is extremely volatile — prices can move $5,000–8,000 per MT in a single season. The Spices Board cardamom e-auction in Bodinayakanur is the primary price discovery mechanism for Indian cardamom.
Minimum Order Quantities for Indian Spices
| Spice | Typical MOQ | Container Load (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Red Chilli (whole) | 1 x 20ft FCL | 12 – 14 MT |
| Turmeric (whole fingers) | 1 x 20ft FCL | 14 – 16 MT |
| Cumin Seeds | 1 x 20ft FCL | 16 – 18 MT |
| Black Pepper | 1 x 20ft FCL | 16 – 18 MT |
| Cardamom | 500 kg – 1 MT | High value — smaller lots common |
| Coriander Seeds | 1 x 20ft FCL | 18 – 20 MT |
| Spice Powder (any) | 1 x 20ft FCL | 15 – 18 MT |
How to Get an Accurate Spice Quote from India
To get a meaningful, comparable quote from an Indian spice exporter, provide the following details in your inquiry:
- Spice name and variety (e.g., Teja red chilli, Erode turmeric, Gujarat cumin)
- Form — whole, stemless, powder, ground fineness (e.g., 100 mesh)
- Quality specification — moisture max %, admixture max %, curcumin % for turmeric, SHU for chilli
- Quantity — MT per shipment and frequency if regular
- Packaging — 25kg or 50kg bags, bag material (PP woven, kraft paper, jute)
- Destination port
- Required documents — lab report, halal certificate, organic certificate
- Payment terms preference — LC or TT
Get a Live Spice Price Quote from Draba Ventures
Draba Ventures exports APEDA certified and Spices Board registered Indian spices — red chilli, turmeric, cumin, coriander, black pepper, cardamom, ginger, and fenugreek. Share your requirements and we will respond with current FOB pricing within 24 hours.
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