HS Code:
Turmeric, classified under HS Code 091030, is a spice derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, widely used for its culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic properties. Known for its active compound curcumin, turmeric is a staple in South Asian cuisine and has gained global popularity due to its health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The global trade of turmeric encompasses both raw turmeric roots and processed forms such as powder and extracts, with demand driven by food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $1.2 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
International Trade Centre (ITC) Trade Map, UN Comtrade Database
$600 million USD
50% of global trade of total trade
Increasing
$150 million USD
12.5% of global trade of total trade
Increasing
$100 million USD
8.3% of global trade of total trade
Stable
$80 million USD
6.7% of global trade of total trade
Increasing
$70 million USD
5.8% of global trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5-10% ad valorem
Highest Rate
Up to 25% in certain markets (e.g., protective policies in some African countries)
Lowest Rate
0-2% under free trade agreements (e.g., ASEAN, EU-India trade negotiations)
Rising demand for organic turmeric
Increased exports of certified organic turmeric, particularly to North America and Europe, with a premium price of 20-30% over conventional turmeric
2021-2023
Growth in nutraceutical applications
Surge in turmeric extract imports for dietary supplements and functional foods, driving trade value growth by 15% annually
2020-2022
Supply chain disruptions due to climate change
Erratic weather patterns in major producing countries like India have led to fluctuating supply and price volatility of up to 10-15% in some years
2019-2023
The European Union introduced stricter Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for turmeric imports to ensure food safety, impacting exporters who fail to comply with testing standards.
January 2023
Potential reduction in exports from non-compliant suppliers; increased costs for testing and certification by approximately $5,000 per shipment for smaller exporters
The Indian government introduced incentives under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) to boost turmeric exports, including subsidies for organic certification.
April 2022
Expected to increase Indiaโs export volume by 10% over the next two years, strengthening its dominance in the global market
Growing consumer awareness of turmericโs health benefits has led to a spike in demand for curcumin-based supplements in the United States, the largest import market for processed turmeric.
Mid-2022
Increased export opportunities for processed turmeric products, with trade value growth of 18% year-over-year for exporters targeting the US