Spice exports decline 12% in Q1

Spices exports declined 19 per cent in volume during the first quarter (April-June) and 12 per cent in value compared to the same period last year.

As per the latest estimates of the Spices Board, a total of 122,515 tonnes of spices valued at Rs 1,230.2 crore ($252.24 million) has been exported as against 150,920 tonnes valued at Rs.1,400.8 crore ($336.25 million) in April-June 2008. This is for the first time since 2003 that spices exports have declined both in terms of volume and value.

The spice oils & oleoresins including mint products contributed 33 per cent to the total export earnings. Chilli contributed 19 per cent followed by cumin with 12 per cent and turmeric with 8 per cent.

The export of cardamom (small), cardamom (large), coriander, celery, fennel, fenugreek, nutmeg & mace, curry powder and other spices has been higher in terms of both quantity and value as compared to the same period last year. However, export of spices like pepper, chilli, cumin, vanilla, mint products and spice oils & oleoresins has shown a decline both in terms of quantity and value.

A total of 37,500 tonnes of chilli valued at Rs 228.71 crore was exported against 67,100 tonnes valued at Rs 333.82 crore last year. The decline in export of chilli was mainly due to the absence of Pakistan importers from the market. Among the processed spices, export of curry powder increased 16 per cent in volume and 27 per cent in value. However, export of spices extracts and mint products declined.