India’s Leadership in Isabgol Exports: Product Categories, Global Demand, Market Insights, Challenges, and Opportunities
- Harsh Kumar
- Sep 9
- 4 min read
India dominates the global Isabgol (psyllium husk) market, right from cultivation to export. With its strong foothold in regions like Gujarat’s Unjha, India is the backbone of the global psyllium trade, providing a strategic advantage for exporters to establish authority and drive organic growth.
The market value of Psyllium Husk was assessed at USD 425.48 million in 2024, and the overall revenue for Psyllium Husk is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3% from 2025 to 2032, approaching approximately USD 747.62 million.
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Psyllium-Based Product Categories
1. Psyllium Husk (Isabgol)
Description: The outer coating (husk) of the psyllium seed, naturally rich in soluble fiber.
Applications / Examples:
Healthcare: Consumed directly with water for relief from constipation, acidity, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Food: Added to breakfast cereals or health mixes for fiber enrichment.
Retail: Sold in sachets, jars, or pouches in pharmacies and supermarkets.
2. Psyllium Husk Powder
Description: The husk is ground into a fine powder for easy blending.
Applications / Examples:
Nutraceuticals: Used in capsules, tablets, or powders for dietary supplements.
Bakery & Gluten-Free Foods: Acts as a binding agent in breads, cakes, and cookies to replace gluten.
Smoothies & Shakes: Added as a fiber booster without altering taste significantly.
3. Psyllium Seeds
Description: Whole raw psyllium seeds, source for husk and powder.
Applications / Examples:
Pharmaceutical: Used as a raw material for bulk laxative formulations.
Food Industry: Processed further to extract husk or incorporated in traditional herbal remedies.
Animal Feed: Sometimes included in specialized feed formulations for digestion improvement.
4. Industrial-Grade Psyllium
Description: Psyllium is prepared for technical and bulk applications beyond direct human consumption.
Applications / Examples:
Food Processing: Used as a stabilizer, thickener, or moisture retainer in sauces, ice creams, and dairy products.
Pet Food: Improves digestion and gut health in cats, dogs, and horses.
Other Industries: Utilized in cosmetics (as a natural thickener in gels and creams) or as a binder in tablets.
India’s Isabgol Export Data & Global Market Insights
India has consistently been the world’s largest supplier of Isabgol (psyllium husk and seeds), accounting for nearly 85% of the global supply.
According to trade data:
In FY 2023, India exported approximately. 50,250 tonnes of psyllium husk, generating US$330.9 million in export revenues. Alongside, about 1,900 tonnes of psyllium seeds were shipped, valued at US$4.6 million.
Moving forward, India’s 2025 production is projected at 236,000 MT, of which nearly 80% is destined for exports. This translates to an expected ₹3,500 crore in export earnings, with the overall Isabgol market turnover nearing ₹5,000 crore.
Psyllium Husk Market Segmentation:
The global Psyllium Husk market is categorized into organic and conventional segments, with organic leading at a value of US$ 102 Mn. in 2020. As a result, the organic segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.2% during the forecast period.
Top Importing Countries – Who Buys Indian Isabgol?
Trade insights from Volza and government data highlight a concentrated yet expanding buyer base:
North America includes the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Europe comprises the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Austria, and other European countries.
The Asia Pacific region includes China, South Korea, Japan, India, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and other APAC nations.
The Middle East and Africa consist of South Africa, the GCC, Egypt, Nigeria, and other regions within ME&A.
South America covers Brazil, Argentina, and other countries in South America.
Export Growth Trends of Isabgol
From June 2024 to May 2025, India recorded 352 shipments of Isabgol, marking an 11% increase compared to the prior 12 months.
Export prices have risen by 28% in 2023 compared to 2022, and by nearly 52% compared to 2021, reflecting higher global demand and tightening supply chains.
Specific districts like Surendranagar (30% growth) and Ahmedabad (20% growth) in Gujarat are emerging as regional growth hubs, reinforcing Unjha’s historic reputation as the “Isabgol capital of India.”
Market Outlook – Challenges & Opportunities
Isabgol Domestic Market is currently valued at ₹434.4 crore (2024), expected to nearly double to ₹833.5 crore by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 7.13%.
The recent U.S. tariff hike (10% → 25%) on psyllium imports could temporarily squeeze Indian exporters, but diversification to Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East is already underway.
Conclusion
India's leadership in Isabgol exports goes beyond mere scale; it is rooted in decades of trust. With Gujarat, particularly the town of Unjha, the country has established itself as the world's most reliable supplier. Growing global awareness of gut health, plant-based nutrition, and functional foods is driving demand, even as markets adjust to changing trade policies and pricing trends.
For global buyers and stakeholders, these developments provide a clear signal: India will remain central to the growth story of psyllium husk worldwide.
ABOUT SUMAN EXPORTS
Based in Unjha, Gujarat, the heart of India’s spice and Isabgol trade, Suman Exports is a trusted name in delivering premium-quality psyllium husk and seeds to global markets. With a strong commitment to purity, timely delivery, and international standards, the company has built lasting partnerships across continents. Suman Exports continues to strengthen India’s leadership in the global spice and Isabgol industry.
Contact us to enquire about bulk orders.
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