Fenugreek Market Poised for Recovery Amid Tightened Arrivals and Festive Demand Surge

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After a muted period marked by sluggish trading and weak export interest, the fenugreek market is poised for an upswing as the festive season approaches. Despite the healthy production levels reported in India for 2024—estimated at 1.28 million tons, up from 1.18 million tons last year—market arrivals remain restricted, with daily inflows of just 150–200 bags at major centers. Farmers are cautiously holding back stocks in anticipation of stronger prices, creating a supportive undertone amid overall robust supply. Export activity, while soft earlier in the year, shows encouraging signs of revival particularly from the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The spice’s pivotal role in ethnic cuisines, as well as demand from the food-processing sector during upcoming festivals, further strengthens the consumption outlook.

Analysts expect prices to remain firm within the $56.40–$62.40 per 100 kg range, and any uptick in overseas orders could push rates higher by $0.60–$1.20 per 100 kg. Notably, during April–July 2024, India exported 21,767 tons of fenugreek, contributing $43.9 million in revenue. With about 400,000 tons held in trade pipelines, and export trends looking positive for 2025–26, the market signals resilience and potential upward momentum as seasonal demand picks up.

📈 Prices: Current Fenugreek Market Levels

Product Origin Purity/Type Organic Location Delivery Terms Latest Price (EUR/kg) Previous Price (EUR/kg) Update Date Market Sentiment
Fenugreek seeds India Yes New Delhi FOB 1.19 1.19 2025-08-23 Steady, with upside risk
Fenugreek seeds India 99% No New Delhi FOB 0.74 0.74 2025-08-23 Stable
Fenugreek seeds (powder) India Powder Yes New Delhi FOB 1.39 1.39 2025-08-23 Firm
Fenugreek seeds (FAQ, machine clean) India FAQ No New Delhi FOB 0.72 0.72 2025-08-23 Stable
Fenugreek seeds Egypt No Kairo FOB 0.95 0.95 2025-08-22 Steady

🌍 Supply & Demand Overview

  • Production (India, 2024): 1.28 million tons (+8.5% y/y from 2023)
  • Trade Pipeline Stocks: ~400,000 tons in circulation, indicating balanced but tight spot supply.
  • Daily Mandi Arrivals: 150–200 bags, much lower than peak season, as farmers prefer to wait for better prices.
  • Export Performance (Apr–Jul 2024): 21,767 tons shipped, $43.9m earned. Full FY 2024–25: 46,738 tons, $73.7m.
  • Key Export Markets: Middle East, Southeast Asia; demand picking up gradually.
  • Domestic Demand: Food industry and spice sector bracing for increased festive season offtake.

📊 Fundamentals: Key Market Drivers & Comparisons

  • Traders holding inventory reflect firm price expectations for the festival quarter.
  • Strong pipeline stocks but limited fresh arrivals curtail immediate downside risk.
  • Healthy 2024 output offsets low-mandi arrivals, but tightening could push prices up seasonally.
  • Export orders have potential to absorb excess and lift prices further if momentum builds.
  • Last comparable report (Q2 2024): Prices were $56.00–$60.00/100 kg, with weaker export momentum—current situation is notably improved.

☁️ Weather & Crop Outlook

  • India (Rajasthan, Gujarat): Monsoon patterns remain normal for August–September, supporting standing fenugreek fields and benefiting late-harvest stocks. No major adverse reports. Conclusion: Near-term yield risk is low; storage/quality maintenance becomes key issue as arrivals are slow.
  • Egypt: Favorable climatic conditions reported for 2024 crop cycle; regular irrigation and temperate temperatures aiding maturation—output aligns with trade expectations.

🌐 Global Production & Stocks

Country 2023 Output (mt) 2024 Output (mt) Exportable Stock (est. mt) Main Destinations
India 1,180,000 1,280,000 400,000 Middle East, SE Asia
Egypt 72,000 ~75,000 20,000 EU, North Africa
Other 42,000 46,000 10,000 Local/Minor global

📌 Trading Outlook & Recommendations

  • Buyers: Secure needs ahead of the festive period surge; spot positions recommended as supply may remain tight and prices firm.
  • Sellers: Consider gradual stock release as prices trend upwards; potential to achieve premiums if current arrival trends persist into late September.
  • Exporters: Watch for sustained Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian demand; opportunistic sales advised if volumes rise beyond recent monthly levels (300–500 tons).
  • Speculators: Sideways-to-firm bias for Q3–Q4 2025 as both supply and demand signals align to support stability with mild upside.

📆 3-Day Regional Price Forecast

Region/Exchange Product Current Price (USD/100kg) 3-Day Forecast (USD/100kg)
India (Delhi Mandis) Fenugreek seeds 56.40–62.40 57.00–63.50
India FOB (EUR/kg) Fenugreek seeds (organic) 1.19 1.20–1.23
India FOB (EUR/kg) Fenugreek seeds (powder) 1.39 1.39–1.42
Egypt FOB (EUR/kg) Fenugreek seeds 0.95 0.95–1.00

Summary: Fenugreek prices are likely to remain supported in the near term, with potential small gains as trading volumes increase and festival-led orders pick up. Limited arrivals and proactive stockholding will continue to shape the tone of the market.