Indian Cardamom Exporters Look for Record Shipments of Cardamom Exports
Following a severe impact on the cardamom crops in Guatemala, Indian Cardamom exporters appear to have a significant opportunity to increase their share in the global market. According to industry sources, cardamom exports from India could reach 12,000 to 14,000 tonnes in the current scenario, significantly higher than the average of 6,000 to 8,000 tonnes in normal years. According to one of the cardamom growers from Idukki, Guatemala’s cardamom production this season is estimated to be only around 17,000 tonnes, compared to 40,000 to 50,000 tonnes in normal years. The lack of large-scale replanting after last year’s drought means that cardamom production there may remain at only around 22,000 tonnes next year as well. In India, particularly in the Idukki district of Kerala, the cardamom harvesting season has begun and is expected to continue intermittently until March 2026. Arrivals at auction centres are projected to be between 30,000 and 31,000 tonnes in the calendar year 2025, with an average price expected to be around ₹2,520 per kg. The cardamom grower stated that 2025 has proven to be a much better year for growers after the drought caused by La Niña in 2024. The onset of climate conditions is expected to bring good pre-monsoon rains until March 2026, further improving conditions for the next crop.
Indian Cardamom Exporters receiving inquiries for cardamom exports from other markets
According to Harish M.V., Director of Harnez Fin EPSL, the crop failure in Guatemala has completely altered the supply-demand balance in the global cardamom market. He described it as a strategic opportunity for India to regain its lost share in the global market. In recent years, Indian cardamom, despite its superior quality and higher oil content, was often priced out of the market in the Gulf region by cheaper, mass-produced cardamom from Guatemala. However, with a decline in Guatemalan supply, Indian Cardamom exporters are now receiving significant inquiries for cardamom exports from markets such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait. He informed that cardamom consumption is highest during Ramadan and Eid, primarily in gahwa (Arabic coffee), and India could emerge as a major supplier during this period. Currently, the international price of Indian 8mm cardamom is reportedly around $35 per kilogram.
Price challenges and Currency Fluctuations
S.K.M. Dhanavananthan, a cardamomexporter stated that despite increased arrivals at auctions, the quality has not been affected, and the current crop meets international standards. The decline in Guatemalan supply has led global buyers to turn to Indian auction centres. However, he warned that the sharp fluctuations in auction prices are making it difficult for exporters to commit to long-term and large-scale deals. Furthermore, sudden changes in foreign exchange rates are making it challenging to fix cardamom exports prices. Even a slight depreciation of the rupee is impacting the profit margins of smaller exporters. If prices rise further, it could affect the overall export volume.