India's Cumin Exports Witness Significant Decline in 2025
Ahmedabad: In a notable downturn for the spice sector, India's exports of cumin seed, commonly known as jeera, have declined sharply in 2025. According to the latest data from the Federation of Indian Spice Stakeholders (FISS), total exports for the year stood at 2.07 lakh metric tonnes, marking a 12.5% decrease from the 2.37 lakh tonnes recorded in 2024. This decline comes amid weak demand from key international markets, including China and Bangladesh, coupled with geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
Weak Demand Environment Despite Intermittent Recoveries
Jeera traders in Unjha, India's largest spice trading hub, report that the export slump persisted despite some monthly recoveries throughout the year. This pattern indicates a persistently weak demand environment that has hampered growth. Farmers and spice traders had initially pinned hopes on the upcoming season, but ongoing tensions in West Asia, with little hope for a swift resolution, have further dampened prospects. Since February, demand momentum has failed to pick up significantly.
U Karthik, co-chairman of FISS, highlighted the impact of West Asia tensions, stating, "Since the West Asia tensions escalated earlier this year, particularly in February and March, demand momentum has weakened substantially. In markets like Dubai, some shipments were even called back as soon as the conflict broke out."
Sharp Declines in Key Months and Contributing Factors
The most severe drops in exports occurred in March and April 2025, with shipments plunging by 43.65% and 47.20% year-on-year, respectively. These months typically coincide with peak export activity, making the declines particularly concerning. While January and February saw strong growth, these gains were insufficient to offset the sustained weakness observed throughout the rest of the year.
Trade sources attribute the downturn primarily to China's robust domestic cumin harvest this year, which has significantly reduced its import requirements. A spice trader in Unjha explained, "Chinese cumin arrivals remained buoyant this year, leading to comparatively less demand for Indian produce. China is one of the biggest importers of cumin seed from Gujarat, alongside Bangladesh, West Asia, and Europe."
Impact on Key Export Destinations
Exports to Bangladesh, another crucial destination for Indian jeera, have also been adversely affected. Exporters are adopting a cautious stance due to political instability and payment risks in the region. The West Asia market, traditionally a steady buyer, has added another layer of uncertainty. Karthik noted, "Certain shipping lines have imposed a war surcharge of about $4,000 per container, along with additional charges for loading and unloading. This has had a strong psychological impact on buyers, discouraging fresh purchases. Ocean freight costs have surged, and even previously contracted orders are losing momentum."
The combination of reduced demand from major importers and increased logistical challenges has created a challenging environment for India's cumin export industry, with stakeholders closely monitoring global developments for signs of recovery.
