Supply Complications and Ramadan Demand Lead to a Rise in Small Cardamom

20-Feb-2026 01:03 PM

Kochi. The global market for small (green) cardamom is facing challenges due to the potential for crop losses caused by natural disasters in Guatemala, a central North American country. India is expected to benefit directly from this. Cardamom exports from India are experiencing a strong increase. Total shipments from the country are expected to jump to around 14,000 tons during the current marketing season, nearly double the historical average.

According to trade analysts, cardamom production in Guatemala is expected to decline by 50 percent. This will leave Indian cardamom available to fill the supply gap in the international market. With no other viable alternatives available, foreign importers will be forced to purchase large quantities of cardamom from India. Meanwhile, demand for cardamom has also increased in Muslim-majority countries in West Asia and the Gulf region due to Ramadan.

Indian exporters were quite successful in securing spot bookings for cardamom at the recently concluded Gulf Goods Expo. Iran saw strong demand for small cardamom for the Nowruz season, and India capitalized on this opportunity to expand its market share. Furthermore, Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, also signed contracts for cardamom imports before Ramadan. These countries are major buyers of Indian cardamom.

Although there are some problems with milling in the Red Sea region, there is no significant crisis in Middle East Asia. The only threat is to ships traveling beyond that to Europe. Meanwhile, the United States has reduced tariffs on Indian products, so a significant increase in Indian cardamom exports is expected there. Exports to Europe may be partially affected.