Red Chilli Market Outlook: Tight Supply and Robust Demand Propel Prices Upward

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The international red chilli market is showing remarkable resilience, with prices steadily supported by a blend of reduced sowing areas and robust export demand. In India—the world’s leading chilli producer and exporter—farmers in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka have shifted away from chilli cultivation due to last year’s disappointing returns, resulting in notably lower acreage this season. Consequently, the market is experiencing limited arrivals, and traders as well as stockists are strategically holding inventories in anticipation of further price appreciation.

Exporters highlight a marked improvement in orders, particularly from China and other Asian nations, with premium varieties like Teja and 334 in high demand. Meanwhile, cold storage stocks are holding steady at around 1.5 million bags but are not expected to offset the overall tightness in supply. Looking ahead, price firmness is likely to persist given that processors, domestic spice manufacturers, and overseas buyers remain active. Weather conditions, so far favorable across the main growing belts, are an important watch factor that could further influence yields and supply as the new season progresses.

📈 Prices

Variety Location Type Latest Price (EUR/t) Previous Price (EUR/t) Update Date Market Sentiment
Chilli dried whole (Bird Eye, Grade A, Organic) New Delhi Whole 4,670 4,670 2025-10-11 Firm
Chilli dried (Powder, Grade A, Organic) Andhra Pradesh Powder 4,420 4,420 2025-10-11 Firm
Chilli dried (Flakes, Grade A, Organic) Andhra Pradesh Flakes 4,380 4,380 2025-10-11 Firm
Chilli dried (With Stem, Non-organic) Andhra Pradesh Whole 2,170 2,170 2025-10-11 Firm
Chilli dried (Whole, Stemless, Grade A, Non-organic) Andhra Pradesh Whole 2,200 2,200 2025-10-11 Firm
Teja Key Mandis (IN) Whole 1,800–2,000 (USD) 2025-10-11 Strong
334 Key Mandis (IN) Whole 1,600–1,750 (USD) 2025-10-11 Strong

🌍 Supply & Demand

  • Reduced Acreage: Key producing states have seen a notable decline in chilli sowing as some farmers switched to alternate crops after last year’s low returns.
  • Limited Market Arrivals: Incoming supplies at major markets are subdued, supporting a firm undertone.
  • Export Demand: Orders from China and across Asia are up, especially for Teja and 334 varieties.
  • Stock Position: Cold storage inventories remain stable around 1.5 million bags, but tightness persists due to delayed fresh arrivals.

📊 Fundamentals & Market Drivers

  • Global Inventories: No significant surplus; steady carryover stocks are not expected to offset lower new supplies.
  • Speculative Activity: Stockists are maintaining positions, expecting continued firmness.
  • Processors and Manufacturers: Domestic buying remains healthy as food companies secure chili for future use.
  • Global Production: Most major producers (India, China, Vietnam) report tightness; no large upticks in supply forecasted from import markets.

⛅ Weather Outlook

  • Recent weather reports indicate overall favorable conditions in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka with timely monsoon rains supporting plant health.
  • Short-term: No significant adverse weather forecasted; however, any unexpected heavy rainfall events could disrupt the harvest cycle and quality.
  • Long-term: With La Niña patterns possibly receding, near-average to slightly above-average rainfall may prevail over the rest of the growing season.

🌏 Global Production & Stock Snapshot

Country Est. Production (2024/25, million tonnes) Stock Situation
India 1.8 Tight, inventories at 1.5m bags
China 0.5 Improved buying, steady stocks
Vietnam 0.2 Tight
Bangladesh 0.15 Adequate
Thailand 0.08 Tight

📆 Trading Outlook & Recommendations

  • 🟢 Buyers: Consider advance contracts to lock in prices before potential further upswings, especially for premium varieties.
  • 🟡 Exporters: Monitor Asian demand closely and prepare for possible short-covering rallies.
  • 🔴 Brokers/Stockists: Maintain inventory, as upside risk persists in the short to medium term due to supply constraints and delayed arrivals.
  • 🟢 Processors: Secure necessary stocks early to avoid higher procurement costs in Q4 2025.
  • 🟡 Risk Watch: Any sudden weather disruptions or geopolitical moves could trigger price volatility; hedge positions accordingly.

🔮 3-Day Regional Price Forecast

Exchange/Market Variety Spot Price (EUR/t) Expected Range (EUR/t, +3 Days) Sentiment
New Delhi Chilli dried whole (Bird Eye, Grade A, Organic) 4,670 4,650–4,800 Bullish
Andhra Pradesh Chilli dried powder (Grade A, Organic) 4,420 4,400–4,550 Firm/Bullish
Andhra Pradesh Chilli dried flakes (Grade A, Organic) 4,380 4,360–4,500 Firm

Chilli market participants should remain alert to crop progress news and shifting international demand as the situation may evolve quickly. The current outlook suggests persistent price firmness barring any major supply-side surprises.