Nepal is the world's largest producer of large (black) cardamom. The trade picture and how to ship it.
$62MNepal exports (2024)
$904MWorld market
$14.63/kgWorld price
About the product
Large cardamom (Amomum subulatum), known locally as alaichi, is grown in the eastern hill districts — Taplejung, Panchthar, Ilam and Sankhuwasabha. Nepal is the world's top producer.
Nepal’s position
Almost all of Nepal's crop goes to India, which consumes it and re-exports onward. Because the market is so India-concentrated, prices swing with Indian demand and with how the India-Nepal trade treaty treats the product in a given year.
How to export from Nepal
Register for an EXIM code — One-time exporter registration with the Department of Customs.
Phytosanitary certificate — From the National Plant Quarantine Program — required for agricultural produce.
Certificate of origin — From a chamber or TEPC (a SAARC/SAFTA certificate for shipments to India).
Grading & quality — To the buyer's specification — moisture, size, cleanliness.
File the export declaration — Clear at the border / dry port.