CARDAMOM

Export Pattern

The export of cardamom from India increased from early nineties and reached a peak level of 1545 MT in 2000-01 but it declined by more than 50 percent in 2004-05 to reach 650 MT. The export of cardamom (small) declined to 650 tonnes valued at Rs 23.90 crores during 2004-05 from 757 tonnes valued at Rs 36.92 crores in 2003-04 because of the severe competition from Guatemala.

However, exports constitute only a small fraction of the production. It was hovering around 6% during the last three years, in contrast to approximately 15% in 2000-01.

Saudi Arabia and Japan are the most important markets for small cardamom exported from India. Their combined market share increased from approximately half (49.4%) in 2000-01 to more than four-fifths (82.2%) in 2004-05. Malaysia is the only other notable importer with a share of 5.54%. The share of Malaysia rose from 1.07% to 5.54% during period 2000-01 to 2004-05 The combined share of Saudi Arabia and Japan in value of imports rose from 58.0% to 81.3% during this period. Malaysia's share rose from 0.8% to 5.4%.

In value terms, Saudi Arabia accounted for 46.5% of the imports of small cardamom from India followed by 34.8% by Japan. The combined share in 2004-05 was 81.3%. Malaysia's share was equal to 5.54%.