Spice Market Intelligence — 31 March 2026

Dear Client,

Please find below the latest market intelligence for the Indian Spice sector as of
31 March 2026.

Increased market demand has driven a bullish trend in essential spices including Turmeric, Coriander, and Tamarind, with prices witnessing a steady uptick in spot markets.

🟢 Green Cardamom Gains Strength on Export Surge

Small Cardamom prices are expected to remain firm due to a significant reduction in arrivals across various auctions and strong export demand. Although domestic buying in the capital has seen a slight recent dip, the overall market remains supported by price hikes in international origins like Guatemala. Traders are maintaining a positive outlook as the summer season progresses in Kerala.

🔥 Red Chilli Market maintains Bullish Momentum

The Red Chilli market is projected to remain strong over the coming week, supported by active participation from both exporters and stockists. Despite steady arrivals of approximately 1.25 lakh bags in Guntur, prices have held firm following recent significant gains. Market sentiment remains robust as exporters continue to aggressively fulfill their requirements.

🟡 Turmeric Set for Further Bullish Gains

Turmeric prices are likely to see continued upward movement as stockists exhibit strong buying interest at current levels. A significant jump in futures prices driven by speculative activity has further influenced the spot market sentiment. With moderate arrivals in Erode and high stockist demand, the short-term outlook remains decidedly bullish.

🌿 Coriander Faces Profit-Booking Pressures

While Coriander prices recently surged due to lower-than-average arrivals in major producing states like Rajasthan, there is now a looming fear of profit-booking by stockists. Markets in Baran Mandi have reported active trading, but the rapid price hike might lead to a temporary correction. Traders are advised to monitor potential selling pressure from stockists in the upcoming week.

♟️ Black Pepper Trade Remains Sluggish

The Black Pepper market is currently experiencing a period of stagnation, with stockists showing limited interest even at reduced price levels. International factors, specifically geopolitical tensions, are weighing on trade activities and dampening overall market sentiment. The outlook for the next week suggests continued dullness in spot market transactions with no immediate signs of recovery.

🛡️ Cumin Bearish Trend Likely to Pause

After a period of price softening, the Cumin market is expected to see a temporary halt in its bearish trend in the coming days. Current market activity is restricted due to the March-end closing of major hubs like Unjha Mandi, which will remain shut until early April. The lack of new arrivals during this holiday period is expected to provide a temporary floor for prices.

🟤 Limited Upside for Large Cardamom

The outlook for Large Cardamom remains cautious, with no indications of a sustained bullish trend in the near future. Although minor recovery was seen recently due to light buying, auction results continue to show a softening trend in average prices. Market sentiment remains neutral as traders await stronger demand signals from industrial buyers.

⚪ Poppy Seeds Resilient Amid Import Concerns

There is no immediate fear of a bearish turn in the Poppy Seed market despite current slow demand. The weakening of the Indian Rupee against the US Dollar is raising concerns over higher import costs, which is providing underlying support to domestic prices. Market participants expect prices to remain stable in the upcoming week.

🔑 Key Takeaways
for Buyers

  • Bullish on Turmeric: Maintain long positions as strong speculative interest and stockist demand at Erode indicate further price appreciation.
  • Caution on Coriander: Watch for profit-booking by stockists after the recent price rally; avoid aggressive buying at peak levels.
  • Export Focus for Cardamom: Capitalize on strong export demand and reduced auction arrivals which are keeping Small Cardamom prices in a strong zone.
  • Monitor Geopolitical Risks: Keep a close watch on international conflicts as they are currently dampening trade movement in commodities like Black Pepper.
  • Currency Watch: Monitor the Rupee-Dollar exchange rate as any further depreciation will likely increase the landed cost of imported spices like Poppy Seeds.
  • Wait and Watch Cumin: Expect temporary price stability due to mandi closures; wait for Unjha to reopen in April for clearer price direction.