Source-conflict register
Where two primary sources disagree, we do not pick one and assert it — that is how the web ends up with two confidently-wrong answers to the same question. We show both, dated and sourced, and explain the mechanism. This is the most citable thing on the site.
Is the USA or China India’s largest spice export market?
On the latest year (FY2025-26, Spices Board share) the USA is India’s largest spice market at 14%, with China at 12%. On the prior year’s absolute values (IBEF) China led. State the year and the metric — never just "the largest market is X".
| Source | Says | Metric | Period | Published |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IBEFT2 | China: 768.5 US$ million | Absolute export value | FY2024-25 | |
| IBEFT2 | United States: 654.71 US$ million | Absolute export value | FY2024-25 | |
| Spices Board of IndiaT1 | United States: 14 % of export value | Share of total export value | FY2025-26 | |
| Spices Board of IndiaT1 | China: 12 % of export value | Share of total export value | FY2025-26 |
Why they differ
These are different years AND different metrics — not a factual dispute. IBEF ranks by absolute value for FY2024-25 and puts China first; the Spices Board ranks by share of export value for FY2025-26 and puts the USA first. China buys bulk, lower-unit-value chilli and cumin, so it can lead on tonnage-driven value in one year and trail on value share in the next as prices move. Both are correct for what they measure.
The trap this prevents: Writing "India’s largest spice market is China" (or "the USA") with no year and no metric.
What is the ASTA colour value of Byadgi chilli?
Treat ASTA 130–150 as the reliable Byadgi export band and anything above it as a lot-specific premium claim to verify by test — not a general Byadgi property. We plot the 130–150 band and label premium lots separately.
| Source | Says | Metric | Period | Published |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common export specT2 | Byadgi: 140 ASTA (midpoint of 130–150) | Extractable colour, common trade range | trade practice | |
| Premium-lot trade claimsT2 | Byadgi (Kaddi, top lots): 175 ASTA (midpoint of 150–200) | Extractable colour, premium lots | trade practice |
Why they differ
The two ranges describe different lots, not a contradiction. Standard Byadgi runs ASTA 130–150; selected Kaddi-type premium lots are quoted higher (150–200). Both circulate as "Byadgi ASTA" without saying which lot they describe, which is how the web ends up with two ranges.