Chilli export to China: how much India sells and what changed in 2025-26
Key takeaways
- China is the largest market for Indian chilli, with 210,998 tonnes in 2025-26 [1].
- The value decreased by 21% in one year, from $455.50 million to $359.01 million [1].
- The average price for each kg is low, at approximately $1.70 [1].
- A large dependence on one market is a risk. Build buyers in a second market.
How much chilli does China buy?
The table gives the figures of Spices Board, from DGCI&S data [1]:
| Year | Tonnes | Value, $ million | Average, $ for each kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | 191,391 | 420.17 | 2.20 |
| 2022-23 | 157,935 | 424.21 | 2.69 |
| 2023-24 | 179,672 | 498.08 | 2.77 |
| 2024-25 | 236,831 | 455.50 | 1.92 |
| 2025-26 | 210,998 | 359.01 | 1.70 |
The average value for each kg decreased for two years. In 2023-24, it was approximately $2.77. In 2025-26, it was approximately $1.70 [1]. The data does not give the cause. It also does not divide whole chilli and powder.
How does China compare with other markets?
In 2025-26, India exported 683,681 tonnes of chilli [1]. China took 31% of the volume. The table compares the largest markets:
| Market | Tonnes, 2025-26 | Average, $ for each kg |
|---|---|---|
| China | 210,998 | 1.70 |
| Bangladesh | 106,401 | 1.05 |
| UAE | 62,205 | 1.09 |
| Thailand | 58,778 | 2.09 |
| USA | 37,311 | 2.92 |
The USA pays the most for each kg among these markets. Thailand pays more than China. Our guide to dry red chilli importers in Dubai examines the UAE.
What does the decrease mean for you?
A large dependence on China is a risk. Use these steps to decrease the risk:
- Find the share of your chilli sales that goes to China.
- Choose a second market with a higher average value, for example Thailand or the USA.
- Find the limits of that market before you make an offer.
- Prepare a spec sheet and a lot report for that market.
Each market has its own limits. Our guide to aflatoxin limits in spices compares the USA, Canada and the EU.
What do chilli buyers check?
Buyers compare chilli by variety, heat and colour. Give these figures for each lot:
- variety, by the name that the buyer knows;
- heat in SHU, and colour in ASTA units, each with the method;
- stem-on or stemless;
- moisture: FSSAI sets a maximum of 11.0% for whole chilli [3];
- broken pods and loose seeds: FSSAI sets a maximum of 5.0% [3].
Use the correct HS code. Whole dried chilli is 0904 21 10, and chilli powder is 0904 22 11 [2]. Our red chilli HS code guide gives the other codes. Our dry red chilli specification guide gives all the FSSAI limits.
What must your first message to a new market say?
Subject: Dry red chilli, [variety], [stem / stemless]: spec sheet and lot report
Dear [Name],
We export dry red chilli from [State], India. Our spec sheet and a recent lot report are attached. The report gives heat, colour, moisture and aflatoxin results.
Which variety and grade do you buy? What are your limits for aflatoxins?
Regards,
[Your name], [Role], [Company]
Write only facts about your company. When the buyer replies, send a quotation that the buyer can compare.
Next step. Before a buyer replies, the buyer usually checks your company online. Our free Buyer Check is a 1-page report on your Google listing, website and spec gaps. It gives the 3 most important fixes within 24 hours.
Sources
- Major item and country wise export of spices from India, 2021-22 to 2025-26, Spices Board India, data from DGCI&S
- Trade classification: ITC (HS) codes for spices, Spices Board India
- Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, Chapter 2.9, Version 4 (01.08.2025), FSSAI
Checked 10 November 2026. This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice.