In 2023, the European Union imported 339,800 tons of spices from non-EU countries, with China emerging as the largest supplier, accounting for 39% of total imports.
According to Eurostat, ginger was the most imported spice in 2023 (114,000 tons), followed by paprika (110,600 tons) and pepper (50,300 tons). China was the leading source of ginger (43%) and paprika (73%), while Vietnam supplied the majority of pepper (63%).
Turmeric ranked fourth (16,000 tons), with 79% originating from India, and cinnamon (13,300 tons) placed fifth, with Vietnam providing 35%.
Compared to 2013, spice imports from non-EU countries increased by 44%. Turmeric and ginger imports saw the highest growth, more than doubling (+140% and +112%, respectively), while paprika imports declined by 19% during the same period.
