Growth in Turmeric Exports
India is the largest consumer, producer, and exporter of turmeric. Other major turmeric-producing countries are Bangladesh, China, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, and more.
While the global production of turmeric is estimated to be around 11 to 11.5 lakh tonnes per annum;
Indian Turmeric: High In Demand
In the world market, Indian turmeric is considered to be the best. It’s due to the turmeric’s inherent quality, as well as, its high amount of bioactive curcumin compound. Hence, they are having a high demand for exports.
Well, the institutional sectors of the West are known for importing ground turmeric and oleoresins; whereas, the industrial sector of the same prefers importing dry turmeric.
As per reports, India is easily able to meet 97% of the United States of America’s turmeric requirements. The remaining 3% from the Pacific Islands and Thailand.
Turmeric Export Strength
At Domestic Level
Turmeric Export: Facts & Figure
Turmeric is one such spice that is exported to other countries, both in whole and in ground form. But sometimes, the whole rhizome pieces are exported and then grounded in the destination country. Alternatively, the dried rhizome fingers are ground at the place of their origin and then exported.
Of India’s total turmeric exports, 75% is exported to the US, the UAE, Japan, Sri Lanka, the UK, and Malaysia. Out of the 75%, the UAE is the major importer of turmeric (18%), followed by the US (11%), Japan (9%), Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and the UK together account for 17%. The remaining 25% of the turmeric exports are met by the North, Central, and Latin American nations.
- UAE
0%
- USA
0%
- Japan
0%
- Sri Lanka, Malaysia & The UK
0%
- North, Central & Latin American nations
0%
100
Export Figure - Year Wise
During 2007-2008, 49,250 tonnes of turmeric were shipped out from India, with an estimated value of Rs 157 crores. But in 2008-09, the export of turmeric was at an all-time high, both in terms of value and volume. India exported 52,500 tonnes of turmeric, which was valued at Rs 248.58 crore.
According to Spice Board India, during the April-September period from 2010 to 2011, India’s total spices exports rose 8% to 2.73 lakh metric tonnes, when compared to the corresponding period in 2009-2010. But the export of turmeric came down to 25,750 tonnes from 30.275 tonnes.
But the increased demand for turmeric from the overseas market pushed up the turmeric exports. In fact, during 2010-2011 (April – October) India’s total spices exports grew 6% taking the figure to 3.17 lakh metric tonnes. However, the export of turmeric for the same period declined by 14% to 29,500 metric tonnes for the same period.
As per the latest statistical reports, from 2020 to 21, India shipped out 1.71 lakh tonnes of turmeric, in comparison to 1.37 lakh tonnes for the 2019-2020 period.
India exported turmeric to these following countries – Bangladesh (49,522 tonnes), UAE (12,182 tonnes), Iran (10,964 tonnes), USA (9,712 tonnes) and Morocco (8,522 tonnes).
Apart from India, other major exporting countries are some Southeast Asian countries, Thailand, some Central and Latin America, and Taiwan.
Turmeric Trading Centers
The major turmeric trading centers are Duggirala in Andhra Pradesh, Sangli in Maharashtra, Nizamabad in Telangana, and Erode, Salem, Coimbatore, and Dharmapuri in Tamil Nadu.
Turmeric Production for 2020-21
Previously, Erode was considered the largest turmeric-producing state in India. However, the latest reports say, Telangana is considered the largest producer and even exporter of turmeric in India, followed by Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Orissa, and other states.
As per Government estimates, India’s turmeric production for the 2020 -2021 period was at 11.02 lakh tonnes. The major turmeric producing states were Telangana (3.13 lakh tonnes), followed by Maharashtra (2.26 lakh tonnes), Karnataka (1.30 lakh tonnes), Tamil Nadu (0.86 lakh tonnes), Andhra Pradesh (0.73 lakh tonnes), Madhya Pradesh (0.60 lakh tonnes) and West Bengal (0.45 lakh tonnes).
According to the reports published by the Telangana State Government, turmeric production for the year 2020-2021 was at 2,64 lakh tonnes, with the production of 2606 kg/acre.
- Telangana
3.13Lakh Tonnes - Maharashtra
2.26Lakh Tonnes - Karnataka
1.13Lakh Tonnes - Tamil Nadu
0.86Lakh Tonnes - Andhra Pradesh
0.73Lakh Tonnes - Madhya Pradesh
0.60Lakh Tonnes - West Bengal
0.45Lakh Tonnes
Turmeric Importers
Some major turmeric importing countries are Iran, Sri Lanka, Japan, the Middle East, and North African countries. These countries account for almost 75% of turmeric world trade. They mostly import turmeric from Asian countries that produce turmeric.
Turmeric Imports Worldwide in 2020 & 2021
In 2020, the leading importing country for turmeric worldwide was the United States. That year, the nation imported 47 million US dollars worth of turmeric. They were closely followed by the United Kingdom and Germany, as these nations imported turmeric worth 17 and 15 million US dollars.
In 2021, the United States remained again in the top position for turmeric imports. India exported around 226 billion U.S. dollars worth of turmeric. In comparison to the exports made by the second-largest turmeric exporting nation, i.e. the Netherlands, India’s turmeric exports were 16 times larger than the latter. During that period, it was reported that the Netherlands exported 13 million US dollars worth of turmeric.
Impact Of COVID On The Turmeric Market
The huge demand for turmeric-based products across various sectors is the key driving force for the exponential growth of the turmeric market. The government has also taken several initiatives to focus on curcumin research and how this chemical compound can help several industries in the long run.
The COVID-19 caused by the deadly novel coronavirus SARS-nCoV-2 caused a severe pandemic all over the world. It caused severe health emergencies, as the virus started to spread all over the globe very fast. To combat and control the spread of the deadly virus, scientists from all over the globe started carrying out extensive research, with the hope of finding an antidote quickly.
At the same time, the pandemic focussed on the adoption of superfoods, such as turmeric, there was a huge demand for turmeric-based products. Turmeric’s nutritional value is not hidden from us.
The miracle bioactive compound curcumin is known to provide many health benefits. For this reason, the food industry gave huge importance to this chemical compound. The presence of this compound is usually seen in health supplements, nutritious food, and even dietary products.
As turmeric is known to boost immunity, the sales growth of dietary products increased. Similarly, turmeric also saw a huge demand across the global market. According to Spice Board India, during the first half of 2020, the export of spices and spice products, like turmeric witnessed a 19% growth.
The consumption of immunity-boosting drinks, like Turmeric Milk Mix, which includes turmeric saw a steep growth.
Presumably, the demand for turmeric-infused fitness drinks and turmeric supplements for better immunity would result in massive export of turmeric in the coming years.