Why are Indian spices facing the heat? | Explained

The story so far: A crisis of confidence assails the Indian spice export industry. The domino first shook on April 5, when Hong Kong’s Centre for Food Safety suspended the sale of three MDH spice blends and Everest fish curry masala. The top three importers of India’s curry powders and mixtures, in the fiscal year 2022-23, include the U.S., U.A.E and U.K. ; followed by Saudi Arabia, Australia, Bangladesh, Oman, Canada, Qatar and Nigeria, as per provisional data by the Indian Spices Board. Delhi-based think tank Global Trade Research Initiative in a recent note held, “With nearly $700 million worth of exports to critical markets at stake, and potential losses soaring to over half of India’s total spice exports due to cascading regulatory actions in many countries, the integrity and future of India’s spice trade hang in delicate balance.” According to the think tank, the issue demanded urgent attention and action to uphold the reputation of the entire ecosystem. For perspective, the top three importers of India’s curry powders and mixtures, in the fiscal year 2022-23, include the U.S., U.A.E and U.K. ; followed by Saudi Arabia, Australia, Bangladesh, Oman, Canada, Qatar and Nigeria, as per provisional data of the regulatory body, Indian Spices Board.