India’s cardamom exports are witnessing subdued overseas demand, with the slowdown driven largely by the sharp rise in domestic prices rather than any weakening in consumer consumption.Instead of building large inventories, many importers are opting for smaller, more frequent purchases while closely monitoring the progress of the monsoon and its impact on the upcoming crop.Buyers are waiting to assess whether favourable rainfall will improve production prospects and bring some correction or stability to prices before committing to larger volumes, said SKM Dhanavanthan, a cardamom exporter based in Bodinayakanur.Strong long-term demandThe recent rally in cardamom prices has also led to a decline in export enquiries, particularly from key overseas markets. Although long-term demand for premium Indian green cardamom remains strong, importers are currently adopting a cautious strategy by delaying fresh orders and restricting purchases until there is greater clarity on price trends and the size of the new crop.“We are clearly witnessing hesitation in price negotiations, with many buyers delaying purchases as they wait to understand whether the upcoming rains will influence market prices,” he told businessline.On the domestic front, higher prices have slowed bulk buying, while retail consumers are increasingly opting for smaller pack sizes. The average market price is currently hovering between ₹3,000 and ₹3,300 per kg compared with the earlier range of ₹2,700 to ₹2,900 per kg.Monsoon dents new cropAs the new crop season begins, the industry’s attention is shifting from auction centres to plantations. Weather conditions and rainfall over the coming weeks are expected to play a decisive role in determining crop prospects and the overall market direction, making climate developments a far more significant factor than prices alone, he said.S.B.Prabhakar, a cardamom planter in Idukki said the picking season is starting but the deficient monsoon in June and July dented the new crop prospects. The absence of monsoon rains led to droppings and poor setting across the growing areas. Losses seem to be around 20 to 25 per cent at the moment, which could increase if the sector receives deficient rains in August.However there has been good copious monsoon rains in the last two days which will ease the situation but a dry period with high temperatures are predicted again from mid-August. Soil pests like Root Grub and Nematodes are rampant across the plantations leading to poor setting, he said.The ensuing crop is now projected around 33000 tonnes down from earlier projection of 40,000 tonnes. The last season’s final crop (2025-26) was 37733 tonnes.He said the upcountry demand is expected to pick up in August. However, the sector is staring at a big crisis like production drop and price rise with El Nino already impacting the monsoon and a drought looming large in early 2027. Guatemala’s crop is expected to increase to around 25000 to 28000 tonnes in the coming season from 17000 tonnes in the last season. However the overall cardamom market is in deficit and is expected to keep prices firm in the short and medium term, he said.e.o.m.Published on August 3, 2026