Dear Client,
Please find below the latest market updates for the Indian Spice sector as of
5 June 2026.
The market reports a mixed trend with Carom Seeds (Ajwain) showing strong bullish gains due to improved demand, while Cumin (Jeera) prices continue to soften and dry fruits like Figs face notable declines due to weak buying interest.
🟢 Green Cardamom: Crop Concerns vs. High Arrivals Keep Prices Range-Bound
The arrival of the monsoon in Kerala has triggered concerns of a potential crop reduction of up to twenty percent due to deficient early rains. Despite these worries, a recent surge in auction arrivals has temporarily eased average prices, while strong export demand fueled by high Guatemalan prices provides solid support. The market is expected to trade within a limited range with no major downside risks in the immediate term.
📉 Cumin: Bearish Sentiment Persists Amid Weak Export Demand
Cumin prices face downward pressure as overall export volumes fell significantly in the current fiscal year, largely driven by the complete absence of Chinese buyers who report a bumper domestic crop. Local demand remains highly sluggish despite lower arrivals at the Unjha mandis, and inquiries from Bangladesh have virtually disappeared. With the monsoon season fully underway, market analysts expect cumin prices to remain under pressure.
🌶️ Red Chilli: Dull Inquiries and Bareilly Inflows Halt Price Recovery
The Red Chilli market is experiencing sluggish buying as the primary Guntur market remains closed for summer holidays. Increased supply from Bareilly has comfortably met local requirements, while extreme summer heat continues to dampen general trading sentiment. Market experts foresee no immediate price hike in the spot market over the coming days.
🪵 Cloves: Weak Demand Balanced by High Import Costs
Offtake for cloves remains extremely slow in the domestic market following recent price corrections. However, a weakening Indian Rupee against the US Dollar is driving up import costs, which is cushioning the market from further drops. The immediate outlook suggests steady prices with minimal risk of any major bearish breakdown.
⚫ Black Pepper: Inactive Buying and Upcoming Imports Limit Upside
Buying activity from stockists remains sluggish despite a minor price improvement earlier. While spot arrivals and prices in Kochi remain stable, the anticipated arrival of imported black pepper from Sri Lanka next month is keeping domestic buyers cautious. The market is expected to exhibit a dull and range-bound trend in the near term.
🫚 Dry Ginger: Sluggish Local Buying Caps Long-Term Rally
Dry ginger exports registered a marginal growth in the fiscal year, supported by a strong start and reports of a halved crop in Nigeria. However, current domestic demand remains very quiet, matching the stable arrivals and prices in the Kochi market. Traders are advised that a major long-term bullish rally is unlikely in the spot market anytime soon.
🌱 Carom Seeds (Ajwain): Strong Demand and Stockist Retention Lift Prices
Prices for Ajwain have moved upwards on the back of rising consumer demand and a reduction in selling pressure from stockists. Inquiries have improved across key trading centers, shifting the market sentiment into a bullish phase. The short-term outlook remains positive with steady support from buyers.
🔑 Key Takeaways
for Buyers
- Caution on Cumin: Avoid aggressive buying as export demand from China and Bangladesh has dried up, and the monsoon will likely keep spot prices under heavy pressure.
- Hold Green Cardamom: Maintain current stocks. While high auction arrivals are keeping prices in check, potential crop damage from early dry spells in Kerala could trigger a bullish reversal later.
- Wait-and-Watch on Black Pepper: Postpone bulk purchases until next month when Sri Lankan imports are scheduled to arrive, which is likely to ease domestic availability and soften prices.
- Procure Ajwain on Dips: With stockists holding back and consumer demand rising, procure Carom Seeds on minor dips to capitalize on the ongoing bullish trend.
- Stay Sideways on Red Chilli: With Guntur closed for summer holidays and increased arrivals from Bareilly, expect flat price movements and avoid building up heavy inventories.