🌿 FairHerbs Global
FY 2025–26
🌿FairHerbs Global
Comprehensive Trade Report · FY 2025–26
India's Herbs &
India's Herbs &
Spices Dominance
A granular market intelligence report on India's combined herbs & spices export performance in FY 2025–26 — covering $5.07 billion in total trade, commodity breakdowns, global destinations, and strategic outlook.
$5.07B
Combined Export
40–45%
Spice Mkt Share
200+
Destinations
6,600+
Exporters
🌶 Spices Export · Spices Board of India
$4.43B
Rs. 39,140.11 Crore · 17.34 Lakh Tons
Covers red chilli, cumin, turmeric, cardamom, pepper, coriander, ginger, mint, curry powders, and spice oils. Regulated by the Spices Board of India under Ministry of Commerce.
–6% YoY vs FY25 record of $4.72B
🌿 Herbs & AYUSH · Ministry of AYUSH + SHEFEXIL
$638.71M
Rs. 5,639.2 Crore · 1,26,275.7 Metric Tons
Covers medicinal plants, Psyllium Husk, Ashwagandha, Senna, Kalmegh, AYUSH formulations & botanical extracts. Regulated by Ministry of AYUSH & SHEFEXIL — a separate regulatory stream from Spices Board.
–7.34% YoY vs FY25's $689.31M
Two Distinct Global Markets
🌶 Global Spice Market
🌍
>$20B
Cross-Border Spice Trade
Annual international spice export trade between nations. India alone commands $4.43B of this — a 40–45% share by value.
🏪
$50.7B
Total Global Spice Market (2024)
Includes domestic retail, food processing, and food service. Projected to reach $64.2 billion by 2035 at 5–6% CAGR.
🇺🇸
+22%
US Spice Consumption (2020–23)
Driven by expanding ethnic cuisine adoption and integration of spices as clean-label preservatives in plant-based diets.
🌿 Global Herbal Market
💊
$70.57B
Global Herbal Medicine Market (2023–24)
Covers herbal medicines, botanical extracts, and phytopharmaceuticals. Expected to surpass $90B by 2030.
🌱
$88.3B
Natural Health Products Market (2026)
Over 70% of global consumers prefer natural and plant-based ingredients — propelling adoption in digestive health, respiratory care & pain management.
🌏
45%
Europe's Share of Herbal Imports
Europe is the most lucrative destination for herbal exports. Over 2,520 dedicated importing companies move nearly 64.2 million kg of product globally.
Spice Export Breakdown — FY 2025–26
🌶 Chilli
$1,176.98M
683,681 MT
Vol –4%
Val –12%
27%
🧪 Spice Oils & Oleoresins
$528.73M
20,730 MT
Vol –1%
Val –1%
12%
🌿 Cumin (Jeera)
$524.22M
196,800 MT
Vol –14%
Val –28%
12%
💚 Small Cardamom
$413.24M
15,050 MT
Vol +124%
Val +124%
9%
🌱 Mint Products
$354.67M
23,944 MT
Vol –12%
Val –15%
8%
🟡 Turmeric
$327.20M
175,896 MT
Vol 0%
Val –4%
7%
🍛 Curry Powder/Paste
$259.98M
104,765 MT
Vol +36%
Val +5%
6%
🫚 Ginger
$142.99M
146,257 MT
Vol +11%
Val +15%
3%
⚫ Pepper
$137.84M
19,806 MT
Vol –5%
Val +11%
3%
Source: DGCI&S, Kolkata / Spices Board of India — Final Data FY 2025–26 | Top 5 spices command ~75% of total export volume
India's Botanical Power — $638.71M
India is one of 17 mega biodiversity-rich countries with 45,000 plant species, of which 15,000 possess medicinal properties. These exports fall under AYUSH Ministry & SHEFEXIL — an entirely separate regulatory track from the Spices Board.
🌾
Psyllium Husk (Isabgol)
Plantago ovata
Represents ~70% of SHEFEXIL herbs export value. India holds a functional global monopoly in Psyllium supply. Heavily imported by the USA and Europe as a natural dietary fiber and gut health supplement.
GLOBAL MONOPOLY
🌿
Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera
Premium adaptogen commanding ₹1,200–₹1,500 per kg export prices. Explosive demand in Western sports nutrition and mental health supplements. GI-tagged "Nagauri Ashwagandha" adds further premium positioning.
GI TAGGED · HIGH VALUE
🌱
Senna
Cassia angustifolia
Exported in massive tonnages for pharmaceutical extraction. Serves as a natural laxative base widely used in the European pharmaceutical industry. India is a primary global supplier.
PHARMA GRADE
🍃
Kalmegh (King of Bitters)
Andrographis paniculata
Anti-viral and immune-boosting herb whose global demand surged post-pandemic. Used as anti-viral base in herbal formulations. Exported for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical extraction globally.
POST-PANDEMIC SURGE
🟡
Lakadong Turmeric
Curcuma longa (GI Tagged)
Contains 7–12% curcumin content vs standard turmeric's 3%. Commands premium pricing in EU and US nutraceutical markets. GI-tagged product driving high-value differentiated exports from Meghalaya.
7–12% CURCUMIN
📱
eCHARAK 2.0 Platform
Digital Infrastructure Initiative
Government-launched multilingual platform linking medicinal plant farmers directly to global industries. Provides real-time market prices, agro-techniques, and eliminates intermediaries to democratize the export pipeline.
GOVT INITIATIVE · 2025
$200B
AYUSH Sector Target by 2030 — Ministry of AYUSH
₹4,408 Cr
AYUSH Budget Allocation in Union Budget 2026–27
15,000
Medicinal plant species in India with therapeutic properties
India's Monopoly in Numbers
Spices · By Value
40–45%
Global spice export market share by USD value
Spices · By Volume
48%
Of the entire world's cross-border spice trade volume
Oleoresins
70%
Global market for spice oils & oleoresin derivatives
Herbs · Global
12%
Global herbal export market share — 4th largest globally
Where India Exports — FY 2025–26
🌶 Top Spice Importers
🌿 Top Herb Importers
01
🇨🇳 China
Raw chilli ($359M+) for domestic use & oleoresin extraction · bulk volume buyer
$894.76M
303,311 MT
02
🇺🇸 United States
Premium spice oils, organic seasonings, black pepper, mint products
$650.33M
122,267 MT
03
🇦🇪 UAE
Re-export hub for Middle East · Small Cardamom ($117.6M) leads
$249.67M
115,404 MT
04
🇧🇩 Bangladesh
Price-sensitive bulk market · Ginger ($49.8M), chilli, turmeric
$233.84M
245,203 MT
05
🇹🇭 Thailand
Chilli ($122.8M) for domestic sauce & culinary industries
$133.79M
49,939 MT
06
🇲🇾 Malaysia
Coriander ($18M), small cardamom for traditional cuisines
$130.33M
64,562 MT
07
🇮🇩 Indonesia
Despite being a competitor, imports specific Indian blends & raw materials
$125.48M
46,548 MT
08
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Certified clean-label retail spice brands, black pepper
$122.04M
34,202 MT
09
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
Heavy reliance on Indian bulk spices for domestic consumption
$113.05M
61,739 MT
10
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
Small Cardamom ($123.3M) for traditional Gahwa (Arabic coffee)
$78.14M
28,737 MT
Source: DGCI&S Country-Wise Export Statistics, FY 2025–26
01
🇺🇸 United States
Pharmaceutical & dietary supplement sectors · botanical extracts, Psyllium, Ashwagandha — absolute majority importer
Dominant
Apr–Aug 2025
02
🇩🇪 Germany
Europe's pioneer in phytopharmaceuticals — physicians prescribe herbal medicines; imports high-quality organic Indian herbs
$290.56M*
HS-Code 1211
03
🇮🇹 Italy
Essential oil extraction, cosmetic formulations, and high-end perfumery from Indian botanicals
$155.22M*
HS-Code 1211
04
🇫🇷 France
Premium perfumery ingredients, essential oils, and luxury cosmetic botanical extracts
$57.82M*
HS-Code 1211
+
🌍 Europe (Cumulative)
Europe holds ~45% of global herbal market share — the most lucrative destination bloc for Indian medicinal plant exports
45%
Global herbal share
*Data for April–August 2025 (HS-Code 1211 — Medicinal Plants) · Source: Ministry of AYUSH / PIB
Top Global Spice Exporters
🇮🇳
India #1
$4.43–4.72B
40–45% by value
Chilli, Cumin, Turmeric, Cardamom, Oleoresins — unmatched variety, volume & processing depth
🇻🇳
Vietnam #2
$2.1B
15–18% market share
Undisputed leader in black pepper & cinnamon. Moves 180,000+ MT annually via agribusiness conglomerates
🇮🇩
Indonesia #3
$1.05B
8–10% market share
Nutmeg, cloves, white & black pepper from unique archipelago agro-climate
🇨🇳
China #4
$787M+
12–15% market share
Garlic, ginger & seed spices via massive mechanization and low-cost agri output
🇳🇱
Netherlands #5
$271–780M
Re-export hub
Advanced processing, blending & re-export hub for Fairtrade and organic premium spices
Challenges & Future Imperatives
⚠️ Key Challenges
🧪
ETO Residue Crisis (EU & US)277+ RASFF notifications issued by EU over Ethylene Oxide residues exceeding MRLs. Forcing exporters to adopt NABL-accredited lab testing and FSSAI/ISO 22000/Sedex SMETA certifications.
🚢
Red Sea Logistics CrisisWest Asia conflict forced avoidance of Suez/Red Sea routes — causing ₹854.37 Cr forex deficit. Govt launched RELIEF initiative to subsidize freight and insurance costs.
📦
Value-Addition DeficitIndia holds only 0.7% of the $14B global seasoning market vs China's 12%, despite leading in raw exports. Bulk shipments face intense price competition.
🌡️
Climate VolatilityCardamom concentrated in Idukki, cumin in Unjha — erratic monsoons cause severe yield swings and price volatility, complicating forward-contracting for global buyers.
🚀 Growth Imperatives
🏭
8 Mega Spice ParksCrop-specific parks across production centers processed 14,131+ MT natively, giving smallholder farmers access to cleaning, grading & international-standard sterilization.
📱
eCHARAK 2.0 & Bharat-VISTAARDigital platforms linking medicinal plant farmers to global markets with real-time pricing and AI-assisted certification guidance — democratizing the herbal export pipeline.
🛣️
IMEC CorridorIndia–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor reduces transit times via Arabian Peninsula rail links — creating a Red Sea bypass for EU-bound shipments.
💊
AYUSH $200B AmbitionMinistry of AYUSH targets $200B sector valuation by 2030. Budget allocation raised to ₹4,408 Cr in 2026–27. Psyllium, Ashwagandha & Lakadong Turmeric are the premium frontrunners.
🌿 FairHerbs Global
FY 2025–26
🌿FairHerbs Global
Comprehensive Trade Report · FY 2025–26
India's Herbs &
India's Herbs &
Spices Dominance
A granular market intelligence report on India's combined herbs & spices export performance in FY 2025–26 — covering $5.07 billion in total trade, commodity breakdowns, global destinations, and strategic outlook.
$5.07B
Combined Export
40–45%
Spice Mkt Share
200+
Destinations
6,600+
Exporters
🌶 Spices Export · Spices Board of India
$4.43B
Rs. 39,140.11 Crore · 17.34 Lakh Tons
Covers red chilli, cumin, turmeric, cardamom, pepper, coriander, ginger, mint, curry powders, and spice oils. Regulated by the Spices Board of India under Ministry of Commerce.
–6% YoY vs FY25 record of $4.72B
🌿 Herbs & AYUSH · Ministry of AYUSH + SHEFEXIL
$638.71M
Rs. 5,639.2 Crore · 1,26,275.7 Metric Tons
Covers medicinal plants, Psyllium Husk, Ashwagandha, Senna, Kalmegh, AYUSH formulations & botanical extracts. Regulated by Ministry of AYUSH & SHEFEXIL — a separate regulatory stream from Spices Board.
–7.34% YoY vs FY25's $689.31M
Two Distinct Global Markets
🌶 Global Spice Market
🌍
>$20B
Cross-Border Spice Trade
Annual international spice export trade between nations. India alone commands $4.43B of this — a 40–45% share by value.
🏪
$50.7B
Total Global Spice Market (2024)
Includes domestic retail, food processing, and food service. Projected to reach $64.2 billion by 2035 at 5–6% CAGR.
🇺🇸
+22%
US Spice Consumption (2020–23)
Driven by expanding ethnic cuisine adoption and integration of spices as clean-label preservatives in plant-based diets.
🌿 Global Herbal Market
💊
$70.57B
Global Herbal Medicine Market (2023–24)
Covers herbal medicines, botanical extracts, and phytopharmaceuticals. Expected to surpass $90B by 2030.
🌱
$88.3B
Natural Health Products Market (2026)
Over 70% of global consumers prefer natural and plant-based ingredients — propelling adoption in digestive health, respiratory care & pain management.
🌏
45%
Europe's Share of Herbal Imports
Europe is the most lucrative destination for herbal exports. Over 2,520 dedicated importing companies move nearly 64.2 million kg of product globally.
Spice Export Breakdown — FY 2025–26
🌶 Chilli
$1,176.98M
683,681 MT
Vol –4%
Val –12%
27%
🧪 Spice Oils & Oleoresins
$528.73M
20,730 MT
Vol –1%
Val –1%
12%
🌿 Cumin (Jeera)
$524.22M
196,800 MT
Vol –14%
Val –28%
12%
💚 Small Cardamom
$413.24M
15,050 MT
Vol +124%
Val +124%
9%
🌱 Mint Products
$354.67M
23,944 MT
Vol –12%
Val –15%
8%
🟡 Turmeric
$327.20M
175,896 MT
Vol 0%
Val –4%
7%
🍛 Curry Powder/Paste
$259.98M
104,765 MT
Vol +36%
Val +5%
6%
🫚 Ginger
$142.99M
146,257 MT
Vol +11%
Val +15%
3%
⚫ Pepper
$137.84M
19,806 MT
Vol –5%
Val +11%
3%
Source: DGCI&S, Kolkata / Spices Board of India — Final Data FY 2025–26 | Top 5 spices command ~75% of total export volume
India's Botanical Power — $638.71M
India is one of 17 mega biodiversity-rich countries with 45,000 plant species, of which 15,000 possess medicinal properties. These exports fall under AYUSH Ministry & SHEFEXIL — an entirely separate regulatory track from the Spices Board.
🌾
Psyllium Husk (Isabgol)
Plantago ovata
Represents ~70% of SHEFEXIL herbs export value. India holds a functional global monopoly in Psyllium supply. Heavily imported by the USA and Europe as a natural dietary fiber and gut health supplement.
GLOBAL MONOPOLY
🌿
Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera
Premium adaptogen commanding ₹1,200–₹1,500 per kg export prices. Explosive demand in Western sports nutrition and mental health supplements. GI-tagged "Nagauri Ashwagandha" adds further premium positioning.
GI TAGGED · HIGH VALUE
🌱
Senna
Cassia angustifolia
Exported in massive tonnages for pharmaceutical extraction. Serves as a natural laxative base widely used in the European pharmaceutical industry. India is a primary global supplier.
PHARMA GRADE
🍃
Kalmegh (King of Bitters)
Andrographis paniculata
Anti-viral and immune-boosting herb whose global demand surged post-pandemic. Used as anti-viral base in herbal formulations. Exported for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical extraction globally.
POST-PANDEMIC SURGE
🟡
Lakadong Turmeric
Curcuma longa (GI Tagged)
Contains 7–12% curcumin content vs standard turmeric's 3%. Commands premium pricing in EU and US nutraceutical markets. GI-tagged product driving high-value differentiated exports from Meghalaya.
7–12% CURCUMIN
📱
eCHARAK 2.0 Platform
Digital Infrastructure Initiative
Government-launched multilingual platform linking medicinal plant farmers directly to global industries. Provides real-time market prices, agro-techniques, and eliminates intermediaries to democratize the export pipeline.
GOVT INITIATIVE · 2025
$200B
AYUSH Sector Target by 2030 — Ministry of AYUSH
₹4,408 Cr
AYUSH Budget Allocation in Union Budget 2026–27
15,000
Medicinal plant species in India with therapeutic properties
India's Monopoly in Numbers
Spices · By Value
40–45%
Global spice export market share by USD value
Spices · By Volume
48%
Of the entire world's cross-border spice trade volume
Oleoresins
70%
Global market for spice oils & oleoresin derivatives
Herbs · Global
12%
Global herbal export market share — 4th largest globally
Where India Exports — FY 2025–26
🌶 Top Spice Importers
🌿 Top Herb Importers
01
🇨🇳 China
Raw chilli ($359M+) for domestic use & oleoresin extraction · bulk volume buyer
$894.76M
303,311 MT
02
🇺🇸 United States
Premium spice oils, organic seasonings, black pepper, mint products
$650.33M
122,267 MT
03
🇦🇪 UAE
Re-export hub for Middle East · Small Cardamom ($117.6M) leads
$249.67M
115,404 MT
04
🇧🇩 Bangladesh
Price-sensitive bulk market · Ginger ($49.8M), chilli, turmeric
$233.84M
245,203 MT
05
🇹🇭 Thailand
Chilli ($122.8M) for domestic sauce & culinary industries
$133.79M
49,939 MT
06
🇲🇾 Malaysia
Coriander ($18M), small cardamom for traditional cuisines
$130.33M
64,562 MT
07
🇮🇩 Indonesia
Despite being a competitor, imports specific Indian blends & raw materials
$125.48M
46,548 MT
08
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Certified clean-label retail spice brands, black pepper
$122.04M
34,202 MT
09
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
Heavy reliance on Indian bulk spices for domestic consumption
$113.05M
61,739 MT
10
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
Small Cardamom ($123.3M) for traditional Gahwa (Arabic coffee)
$78.14M
28,737 MT
Source: DGCI&S Country-Wise Export Statistics, FY 2025–26
01
🇺🇸 United States
Pharmaceutical & dietary supplement sectors · botanical extracts, Psyllium, Ashwagandha — absolute majority importer
Dominant
Apr–Aug 2025
02
🇩🇪 Germany
Europe's pioneer in phytopharmaceuticals — physicians prescribe herbal medicines; imports high-quality organic Indian herbs
$290.56M*
HS-Code 1211
03
🇮🇹 Italy
Essential oil extraction, cosmetic formulations, and high-end perfumery from Indian botanicals
$155.22M*
HS-Code 1211
04
🇫🇷 France
Premium perfumery ingredients, essential oils, and luxury cosmetic botanical extracts
$57.82M*
HS-Code 1211
+
🌍 Europe (Cumulative)
Europe holds ~45% of global herbal market share — the most lucrative destination bloc for Indian medicinal plant exports
45%
Global herbal share
*Data for April–August 2025 (HS-Code 1211 — Medicinal Plants) · Source: Ministry of AYUSH / PIB
Top Global Spice Exporters
🇮🇳
India #1
$4.43–4.72B
40–45% by value
Chilli, Cumin, Turmeric, Cardamom, Oleoresins — unmatched variety, volume & processing depth
🇻🇳
Vietnam #2
$2.1B
15–18% market share
Undisputed leader in black pepper & cinnamon. Moves 180,000+ MT annually via agribusiness conglomerates
🇮🇩
Indonesia #3
$1.05B
8–10% market share
Nutmeg, cloves, white & black pepper from unique archipelago agro-climate
🇨🇳
China #4
$787M+
12–15% market share
Garlic, ginger & seed spices via massive mechanization and low-cost agri output
🇳🇱
Netherlands #5
$271–780M
Re-export hub
Advanced processing, blending & re-export hub for Fairtrade and organic premium spices
Challenges & Future Imperatives
⚠️ Key Challenges
🧪
ETO Residue Crisis (EU & US)277+ RASFF notifications issued by EU over Ethylene Oxide residues exceeding MRLs. Forcing exporters to adopt NABL-accredited lab testing and FSSAI/ISO 22000/Sedex SMETA certifications.
🚢
Red Sea Logistics CrisisWest Asia conflict forced avoidance of Suez/Red Sea routes — causing ₹854.37 Cr forex deficit. Govt launched RELIEF initiative to subsidize freight and insurance costs.
📦
Value-Addition DeficitIndia holds only 0.7% of the $14B global seasoning market vs China's 12%, despite leading in raw exports. Bulk shipments face intense price competition.
🌡️
Climate VolatilityCardamom concentrated in Idukki, cumin in Unjha — erratic monsoons cause severe yield swings and price volatility, complicating forward-contracting for global buyers.
🚀 Growth Imperatives
🏭
8 Mega Spice ParksCrop-specific parks across production centers processed 14,131+ MT natively, giving smallholder farmers access to cleaning, grading & international-standard sterilization.
📱
eCHARAK 2.0 & Bharat-VISTAARDigital platforms linking medicinal plant farmers to global markets with real-time pricing and AI-assisted certification guidance — democratizing the herbal export pipeline.
🛣️
IMEC CorridorIndia–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor reduces transit times via Arabian Peninsula rail links — creating a Red Sea bypass for EU-bound shipments.
💊
AYUSH $200B AmbitionMinistry of AYUSH targets $200B sector valuation by 2030. Budget allocation raised to ₹4,408 Cr in 2026–27. Psyllium, Ashwagandha & Lakadong Turmeric are the premium frontrunners.