About 42,344 tonnes of spices were exported to the US in 1997-98 at a value of Rs 424.69 crore against 46,872 tonnes in 1996-97 at Rs 417.75 crore. In 1997, the total US imports were 290,200 tonnes valued at $ 550 million against the previous year's figure of $499.6 million and a quantity of about 304,300 tonnes. The quantity imported by the US in 1996 was 16 per cent higher against the previous year.

Black pepper imports by the US in 1997 amounted to 45,319 tonnes valued at $ 155.4 million against 41,602 tonnes valued a $ 95.4 million in 1996, registering an increase of 9 per cent in quantity and 63 per cent in value.

In addition, the US has also imported 5,750 tonnes of white pepper and 972 tonnes of ground pepper in 1997. India was the leading supplier of black pepper to the US selling 23,403 tonnes with amarket share of 52 per cent in 1997 against 44 per cent in 1996.

Indonesia was the second largest supplier with a share of 30 per cent followed by Brazil with a share of 10 per cent.

Indonesia lost the market share by 11 per cent in 1997 against its share in 1996. Though India is not the major supplier of white pepper to USA, the country has recently emerged as the leading source for US for ground pepper with a market share of 44 per cent in 1997.

Chillies imported by the US in 1997 amounted 19,122 tonnes against 20,062 tonnes in 1996. Of this, India had the major share supplying 9,365 tonnes in 1997 and 9,930 tonnes in 1996. Mexico is the second largest supplier followed by China and Chile.

About 75 per cent of USA's ginger imports are met by India. A quantity of 13,448 tonnes of ginger in whole form including fresh ginger were imported by the US in 1997 against 13,775 tonnes in 1996. Costa Rica, Brazil and China are the other suppliers of ginger.

Turmeric import by the US totals 3,605 tonnes in1997 against 2,176 tonnes in 1996. Of this 95 per cent is sourced from India. There are no major players in this field with meagre contribution from China and Thailand. The spice provides a major potential area to be exploited in the export market.

India has a 31 per cent share in the total US imports of cumin which amounted to 6,560 tonnes in 1997 against 6,725 tonnes in 1996. India supplied 2,024 tonnes in 1997 against 402 tonnes in 1996, gaining the market from Pakistan whose supply came down from 1,704 tonnes in 1996 to 822 tonnes in 1997.

Turkey is a major competitor in the field with almost 30 per cent market share, closely followed by Syria.

Guatemala holds 96 per cent market share of cardamom exports to US, India supplying four per cent. The major suppliers of curry and curry powder to the US are the UK which has a 30 per cent market share followed by India, 27 per cent.

Export of vanilla beans is one are offering huge potential in India. The US imports went up by 44 per cent from 1,524 tonnesin 1996 to 2,198 tonnes. Of the total imports by the US, Madagascar is the main supplier accounting for 65 per cent followed by Indonesia 28 per cent.

Most of the US requirement of spice oils and oleoresins are met by India with 68 per cent share in the 1,160 tonnes of imports. Fennel seed saw a major increase in its share to the US market from 11 per cent in 1996 to 55 per cent in 1997. Eqypt, which was the main supplier with 75 per cent share in 1996, failed to supply last year.

Consumption of spices as seasonings, condiments and toppings is on the increase in the US with a growing demand for natural flavouring, colouring and fragrance. Export of spice oils and oleoresins has a vast potential as these products have the advantage of a longer shelf life. Besides, top quality is assured because they are free from microbial contamination.