Top Importing and Exporting Countries of Cardamom

Cardamom is one of the most traded spices in the world, with a booming global market. Certain countries dominate production and export, while others are major importers due to their high demand for cardamom in food, beverages, and traditional medicine. Let’s dive into the top players in the global cardamom trade! 📊

🚢 Top Exporting Countries

These countries lead in cardamom production and export, supplying global markets:

1️⃣ Guatemala 🇬🇹 – World’s #1 Exporter

✔️ Produces over 35,000+ tons annually
✔️ Accounts for 60–70% of global exports
✔️ Major buyers: Middle East, Europe, U.S.
💡 Guatemala overtook India as the top cardamom supplier due to its large-scale plantations.

2️⃣ India 🇮🇳 – Historic Cardamom Producer

✔️ Produces around 25,000+ tons per year
✔️ Major supplier of premium “Malabar” & “Mysore” varieties
✔️ Exports mainly to the Middle East & Southeast Asia
💡 India also consumes a large portion of its own production, reducing exports.

3️⃣ Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 – Emerging Exporter

✔️ Produces smaller but high-quality cardamom
✔️ Growing demand for Sri Lankan organic cardamom
✔️ Exports mainly to Europe & Asia

4️⃣ Nepal 🇳🇵 – Specializing in Black Cardamom

✔️ One of the largest producers of black cardamom
✔️ Exports primarily to India & China
💡 Unlike green cardamom, black cardamom has a strong smoky flavor used in savory dishes.

5️⃣ Indonesia 🇮🇩 – Niche Supplier

✔️ Produces a distinct variety of cardamom
✔️ Exports mainly to South Asian countries
💡 Indonesian cardamom is slightly milder in flavor compared to Indian and Guatemalan types.

📦 Top Importing Countries

These countries have high demand for cardamom, mainly for culinary, medicinal, and industrial uses:

1️⃣ Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 – World’s Largest Importer

✔️ Imports over 8,000+ tons annually
✔️ Used in Arabic coffee (“Gahwa”) & cuisine
💡 Saudi Arabia alone accounts for nearly 30% of global imports!

2️⃣ United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 – Middle East Trade Hub

✔️ Imports and re-exports cardamom to other Gulf countries
✔️ Huge demand for premium Guatemalan cardamom

3️⃣ Kuwait, Qatar, Oman & Bahrain 🇰🇼🇶🇦🇴🇲🇧🇭 – Cardamom-Loving Nations

✔️ High per capita consumption of cardamom
✔️ Used in traditional drinks, sweets, and perfumes

4️⃣ India 🇮🇳 – Surprisingly, a Large Importer Too!

✔️ Imports black cardamom from Nepal & China
✔️ Imports green cardamom when domestic production falls short

5️⃣ European Union 🇪🇺 – Luxury Spice Market

✔️ Germany, the U.K., and France are top importers
✔️ Used in gourmet foods, teas, and pharmaceuticals
💡 Demand for organic cardamom is rising in Europe.

6️⃣ United States 🇺🇸 – Growing Demand for Spices

✔️ Cardamom use is increasing in specialty foods & herbal supplements
✔️ Imports mainly from Guatemala & India

7️⃣ China 🇨🇳 – Black Cardamom Market

✔️ Imports mainly from Nepal & India
✔️ Used in traditional Chinese medicine

📈 Global Cardamom Market Trends

🔸 Middle East remains the biggest consumer of cardamom.
🔸 Guatemala leads in exports, but India still dominates high-quality production.
🔸 Growing interest in cardamom-based health supplements worldwide.
🔸 Rising demand for organic and sustainably farmed cardamom.