Spice exports decline 10% in April-August

Exports of spices fell 10 per cent to 201,410 tonnes in April-August, according to a release by Spices Board. Export earning slipped 9 per cent to Rs 2,090 crore from a year ago, it said. In dollar terms, export earning slipped to $429.68 million from $546 million a year ago, the release said. Although quantity of exports declined on a cumulative basis in April-August, exports rose 3.5 per cent in August to 34,025 tonnes from 32,880 tonnes last year.

The major items, which have shown positive trend during the period were cardamom (small), turmeric, coriander, cumin, fenugreek, celery, nutmeg & mace, garlic and curry powder.

The spice oils and oleoresins including mint products contributed 35 per cent of the total export earnings. Chilli contributed 20 per cent followed by cumin (10 per cent) and turmeric (8 per cent).

During April-August, 8,250 tonnes of pepper valued at Rs 126.94 crore were exported, against 11,000 tonnes last year. During the period, export of pepper to the US, the EU and other major destinations, has declined compared to April- August last year. The export of chilli has been 67,500 tonnes valued Rs 417.65 crore as against 96,250 tonnes last year. The decline in export of chilli was mainly due to the absence of Pakistan from the market. Last year, Pakistan had imported 22,000 tonnes of chilli during April-August.

Turmeric exports were 25,500 tonnes valued at Rs 165.68 crore against 24,875 tonnes valued at Rs 109.64 crore in the same period last year, registering an increase of 51 per cent in value. The export of coriander seed also increased to 21,000 tonnes valued Rs 104.30 crore. Export of nutmeg and mace showed a substantial increase during April-August 2009, registering exports of 1,450 tonnes valued Rs 35.58 crore as against 410 tonnes valued Rs 12.80 crore last year.

Garlic exports were 2,350 tonnes valued Rs 4.91 crore as against 485 tonnes valued Rs 1.54 crore a year ago.

Among the processed spices, export of curry powder increased 12 per cent in volume and 17 per cent in value terms. However, export of spices extracts and mint products declined. This was mainly due to the low inventories in the major markets such as the US and EU.