Indian cardamom has regained its aroma in the global export market, with outbound shipments reportedly doubling despite the continuing crisis in West Asia.

Industry sources said the sharp rise in exports was largely driven by a massive crop failure in Guatemala, India’s main global competitor, where production reportedly dropped by nearly 50 per cent due to the combined impact of La Nina conditions and pest attacks. The supply shortfall in Guatemala has redirected strong international demand towards Indian exporters.

SKM Dhanavanthan, a cardamom exporter in Bodinayakanur said global buyers are increasingly turning to premium Indian bold grades to maintain supplies in their regular markets. Although shipping security through the Strait of Hormuz remains a concern, many buyers are willing to pay higher freight charges and use safer alternative routes to secure Indian consignments.

Showers make up for heat wave

With demand continuing to outpace limited global availability, traders expect Indian cardamom prices to remain firm in the coming months. Despite geopolitical tensions in West Asia, the domestic cardamom market has shown notable resilience, with auction prices staying strong at around ₹2,200 to ₹2,350 per kg.

S.B.Prabhakar, a cardamom planter in Idukki said the picking season is slowly coming to an end with light pickings expected till June. The 2025-26 crop is projected to be around 35000 to 37000 tonne due to better weather and also good maintenance done by the farmers.

The heat wave in April had an adverse impact but bountiful showers in May have made the plants recover and they are in good condition at the moment. The Iran war has initially affected movement of cardamom which is improving at the moment. Higher oil prices could increase cardamom consumption in the Gulf markets.

With normal showers expected and good maintenance done by the farmers, production could hit 40000 tonne in the coming season. If exports increase and domestic demand also goes up, the prices could maintain at the current levels with heavy arrivals hit the market. The sharp increase in prices of fertilisers and agrochemical inputs will have a bearing on the cost of production, he added.

Published on May 19, 2026