Indian Spices Market Report - July 2021

Chilli

Major markets reopened after lockdown, bringing good arrivals across markets
Thailand, Malaysia, China and Bangladesh markets experienced reduced export and domestic demand
Guntur’s cold store stock is expected to be around 0.24 million metric tons. Total stocks across trading centers are expected to be around 0.80 million metric tons
Most of farmers’ non-cold store stock chilli is sold out
The upcoming festival season is expected to increase domestic demand
With the start of monsoon season, agricultural operations began across regions. Chilli sowing is expected to start soon
Chilli growing regions received moderate rains, except in Karnataka
Chilli acreage increased by at least 25% to 30% for 2021-22, indicating the potential for a bumper crop

Arrivals improved after lockdown restrictions were relaxed across origin markets
Prices have dipped slightly due to sluggish domestic demand. Average export demand remains the same
Sowing activities are in full swing across most growing areas. In Maharashtra, Telangana and Karnataka, sowing is 85% complete and 30% complete in Tamil Nadu. In Andhra Pradesh, sowing has just begun. Sowing is likely to finish by the end July or early August
Prices settled with news of better sowing
Domestic demand is likely to improve by August as destination markets recover from the COVID-19 situation

Prioritize covering the near term demand at current levels to cover dips in receiving quality supply
Watch monsoon progress, sowing, and demand for domestic markets

Daily arrivals in the Unjha market yard were between 500-550 metric tons
Prices remained stable due to a balance between weak domestic and export demand
The supply situation improved as restrictions eased and the second wave of Covid infections decreased
Domestic demand is expected to improve with easing restrictions
The availability of EU-compliant cumin is very limited
Conventional prices are expected to remain stable
EU-compliant cumin prices are expected to remain firm