Spices had significant economic value during the pandemic. This is evident in the total global spice export value of US$26.9 billion in 2020, a 10.5% increase from US$24.3 billion in 2019.
The most exported spices were soy sauce and instant seasonings. A total of US$12.4 billion worth of soy sauce and instant seasonings were exported in 2020, a 7.24% increase from 2019. These spice exports contributed 46.1% of the total global spice exports.
Dried chilies were second, with a value of US$2.4 billion, up 14.11% from 2019. Dried chilies contributed 9.1% to total global spice exports.
Sauce was the third largest spice segment globally. Its export value reached US$1.97 billion, up 7.3% from the previous year. Sauce contributed 7.3% to global spice exports.
Nutmeg followed in fifth place and was also the traditional spice with the largest export value. Nutmeg exports were valued at US$1.5 billion, growing by 5.6% from 2019.
Ginger and pepper, also traditional spices, followed. Ginger exports were valued at US$1.35 billion and pepper at US$1.19 billion.