Cumin Market Sinks on Surplus Supply and Weak Demand: Key Insights & Forecast

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The global cumin market is currently experiencing significant downward pressure, with prices dropping sharply amid a confluence of bearish factors. Over the past week, cumin prices have fallen by $2.40 per quintal, driven by aggressive stock clearance and tepid demand from both domestic and international buyers. Average quality cumin now trades between $288–$296 per quintal, while machine-cleaned cumin commands a slight premium at $300–$315 per quintal. This correction follows a brief uptick of $0.048–$0.060 per kg, which proved unsustainable as buyers retreated and inventories swelled.

Market disruptions in key producing regions, particularly due to Operation Sidur in Jodhpur and ongoing logistical challenges in Barmer, Bikaner, and Saurashtra, have compounded the oversupply situation. Unsold stocks continue to weigh on market sentiment, with traders advised to avoid long-term bullish positions given the lack of recovery signals and persistent weak consumption trends. The spot market remains subdued, with no immediate catalysts for reversal as both domestic and export demand remain lackluster.

📈 Prices: Latest Cumin Market Quotes

Product Origin Location Grade/Purity Organic Delivery Price (USD/kg) Prev. Price Update Date Sentiment
Cumin seeds IN New Delhi Whole, Grade A Yes FOB $5.28 $5.30 2025-05-09 Bearish
Cumin seeds IN New Delhi Grade A, 99% No FOB $2.57 $2.58 2025-05-09 Bearish
Cumin powder IN New Delhi Grade A Yes FOB $4.59 $4.60 2025-05-09 Bearish
Cumin seeds IN New Delhi Grade A, 98% No FOB $2.42 $2.43 2025-05-09 Bearish
Cumin seeds IN New Delhi 99% No FOB $2.58 $2.59 2025-05-09 Bearish
Cumin seeds IN Gujarat – Unjha 98% No FOB $2.52 $2.53 2025-05-09 Bearish
Cumin powder SY Dordrecht No FCA $4.78 $4.78 2025-05-08 Steady
Cumin seed SY Dordrecht No FCA $3.98 $3.98 2025-05-08 Steady
Cumin seeds EG Kairo 99.9% No FOB $5.05 $5.02 2025-05-08 Firm
Cumin seeds (black) EG Kairo Grade A No FOB $2.30 $2.27 2025-05-08 Firm
Cumin seeds (green, premium) IR Tehran Premium No FOB $5.24 $4.97 2025-05-03 Firm
Cumin seeds (black, premium) IR Tehran Premium No FOB $7.93 $7.55 2025-05-03 Firm

🌍 Supply & Demand Drivers

  • Stock Clearance: Heavy selling as traders clear inventories, especially in Barmer, Bikaner, and Saurashtra.
  • Operation Sidur Disruption: Market activities disrupted in Jodhpur and surrounding regions, affecting logistics and trade flows.
  • Subdued Demand: Both domestic and export demand remain weak, with buyers hesitant amid falling prices.
  • Speculative Positioning: Market participants are largely avoiding long positions due to ongoing bearish sentiment.

📊 Fundamentals & Global Stock Comparison

  • India: Largest producer and exporter; high carry-over stocks and weak local demand are putting pressure on prices.
  • Egypt & Iran: Stable to firm prices, limited impact from Indian surplus but monitoring for increased competition if Indian prices fall further.
  • Syria: Prices steady, with limited trade due to regional disruptions.
Country 2024 Production (est. MT) 2024 Stocks (est. MT) Export Share
India ~300,000 High ~80%
Iran ~30,000 Moderate ~8%
Egypt ~15,000 Low ~7%
Syria ~10,000 Low ~3%

⛅ Weather Outlook for Key Regions

  • Rajasthan & Gujarat (IN): Recent weather has been mostly dry, supporting harvest and stock movement. No major rainfall expected in the next 7 days, aiding logistics but not providing relief for price pressure.
  • Iran & Egypt: Favorable weather reported, supporting stable crop conditions and output.

📆 Trading Outlook & Recommendations

  • 🔻 Avoid long-term bullish positions as the market shows no immediate recovery signals.
  • 🔻 Spot buying only for immediate needs; further downside possible if stock clearance continues.
  • 🔍 Monitor Indian export activity for any signs of increased international demand as prices fall.
  • 🛑 Wait-and-watch approach recommended for traders; focus on short-term, tactical trades.

📉 3-Day Regional Price Forecast

Region/Exchange Current Price (USD/kg) 3-Day Forecast Trend
Unjha (IN) 2.52 2.45 – 2.50 Bearish
New Delhi (IN) 2.57 2.50 – 2.55 Bearish
Kairo (EG) 5.05 5.00 – 5.10 Stable
Tehran (IR) 5.24 5.20 – 5.30 Stable