No possibility of a decline in small cardamom prices

26-Dec-2025 07:28 PM

New Delhi. There is no possibility of a decline in the current prices of small cardamom. Sources say that the arrival of small cardamom at the production centers during auctions has started to decrease gradually. Along with this, there has also been an improvement in buying by exporters. Due to this, the prices of small cardamom at the auction centers had recently increased by up to 30 rupees per kg. However, the increase in prices has stopped due to the impact on demand at these higher prices. Currently, the average price of small cardamom at the auction centers is being quoted at Rs. 2400/2450 per kg. Experts say that the produce from the fourth picking is currently arriving at the auction centers. The arrival at the auction centers will decrease further in the coming days. It is noteworthy that the small cardamom crop comes in 6/7 pickings. Due to Ramadan in February, there will be an increase in local demand in addition to export demand in January.

Production

Reports indicate that the production of small cardamom in the country during the current season is higher than last year. This year, the trade estimate for small cardamom production in the country is 28/30 thousand tons, while last year's production was estimated at 23/25 thousand tons. Production in 2023 was 28/30 thousand tons.

Price Trends

Sources believe that in the coming days, in addition to a decrease in arrivals at the production centers, the quality will also start to deteriorate. Due to this, export demand is likely to remain strong for good quality produce. Furthermore, due to lower-than-expected production in Guatemala and the inferior quality of Guatemalan cardamom compared to Indian cardamom, the export of Indian cardamom is likely to increase in the coming days. Therefore, there is no possibility of a decline in the prices of small cardamom. Currently, in the Delhi market, the prices of small cardamom are being quoted at Rs. 2400/3250 per kg depending on the quality.

Imports

Despite sufficient domestic production, importers import small cardamom from Guatemala because the lower quality results in cheaper prices, and the imported goods are mixed with domestic produce. However, imports are unlikely during the current season as prices in Guatemala are quite high. According to available information, the current price of small cardamom in Guatemala is being quoted at $25-35 per kg. According to data released by the Spices Board, imports of small cardamom in 2020-21 were only 311 tonnes, which increased to a record level of 2552 tonnes in 2023-24. Imports in 2024-25 amounted to 1318 tonnes.

Higher Exports

Due to lower production in Guatemala last year, Indian small cardamom exports registered a remarkable increase of 86 percent in volume and 124 percent in value. According to data released by the Spices Board, during the first seven months of 2025-26 (April-October 2025), exports of small cardamom were 6827 tonnes, and the revenue earned from exports was ₹1649 crore. In comparison, during April-October 2024, 3663 tonnes of small cardamom were exported, generating revenue of ₹737.44 crore. Total exports of small cardamom in 2024-25 were 6728 tonnes. The record export of small cardamom was 10571 tonnes during 2021-22.