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Farm produce

Export guar gum

Rajasthan’s guar processed into gum for oil drilling, food and textiles. Industrial buyers set strict viscosity specs.

Free to exportHS 1302.32
HS code
1302.32
Mucilages and thickeners from locust beans, locust bean seeds or guar seeds — guar gum powder and splits.
Export policy
Free to export
Free.
Registrations
4
IEC, GST and those below
India’s exports, 2025-26
US$ 393 mn
to 101 countries

What is exported

India grows about 80% of the world’s guar, 72% of it in Rajasthan, and exports about 90% of the gum it processes. Exports were 4.75 lakh tonnes worth US$ 550 million (FY25 figures on APEDA’s page). Germany, the USA, Russia, Norway and China were the top destinations in 2025-26. Around 90% of demand comes from oil and shale-gas drilling, so prices follow the oil industry.

Varieties, grades and forms

  • Guar split (refined split)De-husked endosperm halves; raw material for powder makers abroad.
  • Food-grade guar gum powderThickener (E412) for ice cream, sauces and bakery, sold by mesh and viscosity.
  • Industrial / oil-drilling grade powderFast-hydrating grades for fracking — about 90% of export demand.
  • Derivatives (CMHPG, HPG)Chemically modified gums for textiles, paper and drilling.
  • Guar meal (by-product)Protein-rich cattle feed, separate line 1106 10 10.

Where it is grown or made

  • RajasthanAbout 72% of India’s guar: Bikaner, Barmer, Sri Ganganagar, Churu; Jodhpur is the main processing hub.
  • HaryanaHisar, Sirsa and Bhiwani — growing and processing.
  • GujaratNorth Gujarat and Kutch; Kandla and Mundra ports.

Season

Rain-fed crop sown July–August and harvested late October–November (APEDA); crop size swings with the monsoon.

Export packing

  • 25 kg multi-wall paper or HDPE bags; 500–1,000 kg jumbo bags for drilling grades.
  • Palletised and shrink-wrapped in 20-ft containers; food grade with a certificate of analysis per lot.

Who buys abroad

  • Oilfield service companies and their distributors in the USA
  • Food-ingredient distributors in Germany and Europe
  • Industrial buyers in Russia, Norway and China

The quality buyers ask for

Viscosity
Main spec: centipoise (cps) of a 1% solution measured on a Brookfield viscometer after a set time (often 2 and 24 hours)
Particle size
Mesh size, e.g. 100 or 200 mesh, as the buyer’s use requires
Food-grade identity
Meets the E412 specification of Regulation (EU) 231/2012 or JECFA/FCC — moisture, protein, ash, acid-insoluble matter limits
Microbiology
Total plate count, yeast and mould, E. coli and Salmonella for food and pharma grades
Contaminants
Pesticide residues and, for the EU, checks for pentachlorophenol and dioxins; AGMARK grades exist for guar gum and guar seed (DMI)

Certificates

  • APEDA RCMCRequiredRegistration with APEDA, issued as an RCMC on the DGFT portal. Since 15 Sep 2026, a consignment up to ₹3 lakh FOB can go without it.
  • FSSAI licence (food grade)RequiredNeeded for food-grade guar gum, which is a food additive.
  • ISO 22000 / FSSC 22000Often askedFood-safety management system certification. FSSC 22000 is recognised by GFSI, which large retailers and brand owners look for.
  • HalalOften askedAsked for by many buyers in the Gulf, Malaysia and Indonesia, especially for processed and animal-origin foods. Use a body the destination recognises.
  • KosherOften askedAsked for by some US and Israeli buyers and by ingredient buyers who supply kosher brands.
  • GMP (pharma grade)Often askedPharma buyers expect good manufacturing practice and pharmacopoeia-grade testing.

Shipping, storage and shelf life

Container load

Powder in 25 kg multi-wall paper bags with a poly liner, often palletised: a 20-ft container typically holds about 18–20 tonnes. Bulk bags are used for oilfield grades.

How it travels

Sea freight from Mundra and Kandla, close to the Rajasthan and Gujarat processing hubs.

Storage

Dry, cool store; powder picks up moisture and loses viscosity over time.

Shelf life

Typically 18–24 months in sealed bags; viscosity is retested if stock is old.

What goes on the pack and carton

  • Bulk bags and cartons: product and grade, crop year, lot number, net and gross weight, “Product of India”, exporter name and the buyer’s shipping marks, matching the invoice and packing list exactly.
  • Food-grade bags state “Guar gum (E412)”, grade, viscosity and mesh, batch, manufacture and expiry dates.
  • EU retail packs (Regulation 1169/2011): name of the food, ingredients with allergens highlighted, net quantity, best-before date, storage conditions, the EU importer’s name and address, and origin where required — in the language of the country of sale.
  • USA (21 CFR 101): product name, net quantity in both US and metric units, ingredients, allergens, name and place of business of the packer or distributor, Nutrition Facts unless exempt; and “Product of India” marking (19 CFR 134).
Where to get it tested

Use a laboratory on APEDA’s list of recognised laboratories (apeda.gov.in → Quality → Recognised Organisations). For any other test, search the NABL directory (nabl-india.org) for a lab accredited for that test, or use an FSSAI-notified lab. Ask the buyer which lab reports they accept before you send samples.

Benefits of exporting this product

Where to register

  • APEDARegistration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) for APEDA-scheduled products. Apply on the DGFT portal after you have your IEC.dgft.gov.in ↗
  • FSSAINeeded only if you sell food-grade guar gum (a food additive). Industrial grades for drilling do not need an FSSAI licence.foscos.fssai.gov.in ↗

Quality and checks

  • Viscosity, mesh size, moisture and hydration rate as per the buyer’s technical data sheet.
  • Food grade: pesticide residues, microbiology and the EU purity criteria for food additive E412.
  • A certificate of analysis with each lot.
How to start small

Act as a merchant exporter for a Jodhpur or Bikaner processor. Start with food- or textile-grade powder to a European distributor, where order sizes are smaller than oilfield contracts. Since 15 September 2026, a consignment worth up to ₹3 lakh FOB does not need an RCMC (DGFT Notification 36/2026-27). Registrations that a law requires for the product still apply.

Where new exporters go wrong

  • Prices swing with crude oil and the monsoon; avoid long fixed-price contracts.
  • Shipping a lot that misses viscosity spec — industrial buyers reject or heavily discount it.

Documents this product needs

Schemes that apply

Sources (3)
  1. APEDA — Guar Gum profile (exports and destinations)
  2. APEDA — Processed Foods (exports by product group, 2025-26)
  3. DGFT Notification 36/2026-27 (15 Sep 2026) — no RCMC needed for consignments up to ₹3 lakh FOB

Trade data

Indian guar gum exports in numbers

From the Department of Commerce’s TradeStat, country by country. US$, Indian financial years (April–March).

Exports in 2025-26
US$ 393 mn
+10.5% a year on average, 2020-21 to 2025-26
Change from 2024-25
↓ -7.1%
US$ 423 mn → US$ 393 mn
Buyer countries
101
Average export price
US$ 1.59
per kg · 2,47,334 tonnes shipped · US$ 1.75 the year before
United States of America: US$ 93.5 mnRussia: US$ 70.8 mnGermany: US$ 46.8 mnChina: US$ 29.8 mnCanada: US$ 18.5 mnNetherlands: US$ 11.5 mnIndonesia: US$ 8.8 mnItaly: US$ 8 mnJapan: US$ 7.4 mnAustralia: US$ 6.1 mnUnited Arab Emirates: US$ 5.6 mnUnited Kingdom: US$ 5.6 mnEgypt: US$ 4 mnSouth Africa: US$ 3.9 mnFrance: US$ 3.6 mnMalaysia: US$ 3.4 mnSpain: US$ 3.3 mnUnited States of America: US$ 93.5 mnUnited States of AmericaRussia: US$ 70.8 mnRussiaGermany: US$ 46.8 mnChina: US$ 29.8 mnChinaCanada: US$ 18.5 mnNetherlands: US$ 11.5 mnNetherlandsIndonesia: US$ 8.8 mnIndonesiaItaly: US$ 8 mnItalyJapan: US$ 7.4 mnAustralia: US$ 6.1 mnUnited Arab Emirates: US$ 5.6 mnUnited Kingdom: US$ 5.6 mnEgypt: US$ 4 mnSouth Africa: US$ 3.9 mnFrance: US$ 3.6 mnMalaysia: US$ 3.4 mnSpain: US$ 3.3 mnIndia
Where Indian guar gum goes — among our 30 countries, 2025-26
2020-21: US$ 239 mn2392020-212021-22: US$ 392 mn3922021-222022-23: US$ 496 mn4962022-232023-24: US$ 411 mn4112023-242024-25: US$ 423 mn4232024-252025-26: US$ 393 mn3932025-26
India’s guar gum exports, year by year · US$ million

The price cycle

India’s average export price per kg each year (total value ÷ total quantity). Highest in 2022-23, lowest in 2020-21 — a 50% swing between them. Keep this swing in mind when you quote.

2020-21: US$ 1.27 per kg1.272021-22: US$ 1.57 per kg2022-23: US$ 1.91 per kg1.912024-25: US$ 1.75 per kg2025-26: US$ 1.59 per kg1.592020-212021-222022-232023-242024-252025-26
Average export price of Indian guar gum · US$ per kg · dotted = year in between not available

What next: a projection from the trend

The past trend carried forward — not a forecast by any authority. Sudden changes in policy, prices or demand are not in it.

2020-21: US$ 239 mn2020-212021-22: US$ 392 mn2021-222022-23: US$ 496 mn2022-232023-24: US$ 411 mn2023-242024-25: US$ 423 mn2024-252025-26: US$ 393 mn2025-262026-27: US$ 494 mn (US$ 360 mn – US$ 679 mn)4942026-272027-28: US$ 531 mn (US$ 373 mn – US$ 757 mn)5312027-28
India’s guar gum exports and projection · hollow bars = projection, line = likely range
By 2027-28: US$ 531 mn

Likely range US$ 373 mn to US$ 757 mn.

Trend
+7.5% a year
Fit (R²)
0.3 — weak, read with care
Based on
6 years of official figures

Method: a straight line through the logarithm of yearly exports (log-linear regression); range = ±1 standard error.

Biggest buyer countries

By value in 2025-26. Change is against 2024-25.

Name2025-26Change
1United States of AmericaUS$ 93.5 mn-9.2%
2RussiaUS$ 70.8 mn+7.5%
3GermanyUS$ 46.8 mn-2.8%
4ChinaUS$ 29.8 mn-30.8%
5CanadaUS$ 18.5 mn-8.8%
6NetherlandsUS$ 11.5 mn+13.4%
7IndonesiaUS$ 8.8 mn+0.2%
8ItalyUS$ 8 mn-34%
9JapanUS$ 7.4 mn-2.6%
10BrazilUS$ 7.4 mn-17%
11MexicoUS$ 6.4 mn+18.2%
12AustraliaUS$ 6.1 mn-33.2%

Where demand is rising and falling

Only countries that buy at least US$ 1 million or 1% of India’s exports of this product. Change from 2024-25 to 2025-26.

High demand

  1. MexicoUS$ 5.4 mn → US$ 6.4 mn+18.2%
  2. NetherlandsUS$ 10.1 mn → US$ 11.5 mn+13.4%
  3. EgyptUS$ 3.6 mn → US$ 4 mn+12.6%

Low demand

  1. ItalyUS$ 12.1 mn → US$ 8 mn-34%
  2. AustraliaUS$ 9.1 mn → US$ 6.1 mn-33.2%
  3. ChinaUS$ 43.1 mn → US$ 29.8 mn-30.8%
  4. United KingdomUS$ 7.3 mn → US$ 5.6 mn-23%
  5. South AfricaUS$ 4.9 mn → US$ 3.9 mn-19%
  6. BrazilUS$ 8.9 mn → US$ 7.4 mn-17%

Which forms sell, and at what price

India’s exports by 8-digit tariff line, 2025-26. Average price = total value ÷ total quantity (TradeStat): the average of every shipment on that line, not the price of any one deal.

Tariff lineValue 2025-26ChangeQuantityAverage price
Mucilages and thickeners, whether or not modified, derived from locust beans, locust bean seeds or guar seeds — guargum: others1302 32 39US$ 330 mn-7.2%2,08,836 tonnesUS$ 1.58 per kgwas US$ 1.75
Guargum: chemically treated1302 32 31 · Mucilages and thickeners, whether or not modified, derived from locust beans, locust bean seeds or guar seedsUS$ 60.9 mn-6.2%37,087 tonnesUS$ 1.64 per kgwas US$ 1.76
Other mucilages thicknrs whether or not modifd,derivd from locust beans or locust bean seed1302 32 90 · Mucilages and thickeners, whether or not modified, derived from locust beans, locust bean seeds or guar seedsUS$ 2.1 mn-21.1%1,411 tonnesUS$ 1.49 per kgwas US$ 1.48

The world market

Each country’s own recorded exports and imports in UN Comtrade, 2023 (the latest year nearly every country has reported).

World imports
US$ 991 mn
2023
India among exporters
#1
of 82 countries
India’s share of world exports
38.8%
US$ 401 mn
Left for others to win
US$ 634 mn
exported by other countries

Top exporters — your competitors

  1. 1IndiaUS$ 401 mn 38.8%
  2. 2SpainUS$ 156 mn 15%
  3. 3ItalyUS$ 141 mn 13.6%
  4. 4USAUS$ 60.6 mn 5.9%
  5. 5PakistanUS$ 53.6 mn 5.2%
  6. 6GermanyUS$ 42.5 mn 4.1%
  7. 7NetherlandsUS$ 30.1 mn 2.9%
  8. 8FranceUS$ 27.9 mn 2.7%
  9. 9ChinaUS$ 26.3 mn 2.5%
  10. 10SwitzerlandUS$ 20.7 mn 2%

Biggest buyers in the world

  1. 1USAUS$ 220 mn 22.2%
  2. 2GermanyUS$ 98.5 mn 9.9%
  3. 3ChinaUS$ 66.2 mn 6.7%
  4. 4JapanUS$ 46.6 mn 4.7%
  5. 5FranceUS$ 44.5 mn 4.5%
  6. 6CanadaUS$ 41 mn 4.1%
  7. 7DenmarkUS$ 36.5 mn 3.7%
  8. 8NetherlandsUS$ 27.8 mn 2.8%
  9. 9PolandUS$ 25.3 mn 2.6%
  10. 10ItalyUS$ 25.1 mn 2.5%

Opportunity: what these countries buy from the world, and from India

Each country’s own recorded imports in UN Comtrade, latest year it has reported. The long light part of each bar is demand other countries are filling today.

United States of AmericaUS$ 189 mnIndia 65.5% · gap US$ 65.1 mn
GermanyUS$ 102 mnIndia 62.1% · gap US$ 38.6 mn
ChinaUS$ 70.8 mnIndia 49.9% · gap US$ 35.5 mn
FranceUS$ 37.5 mnIndia 14.6% · gap US$ 32.1 mn
JapanUS$ 34.9 mnIndia 23.6% · gap US$ 26.7 mn
NetherlandsUS$ 26.4 mnIndia 24.9% · gap US$ 19.8 mn
United KingdomUS$ 20.5 mnIndia 38.2% · gap US$ 12.6 mn
CanadaUS$ 28.3 mnIndia 55.7% · gap US$ 12.5 mn
South KoreaUS$ 14.9 mnIndia 16.9% · gap US$ 12.4 mn
ItalyUS$ 20.3 mnIndia 47.3% · gap US$ 10.7 mn

HS 130232 also covers locust bean gum. TradeStat’s 2023-24 quantities are double-counted, so that year is left out of the price. Sources: TradeStat — Export Import Data Bank, Department of Commerce · UN Comtrade database (United Nations Statistics Division) · Figures taken 29 October 2026.

Step by step

How to export guar gum

APEDA says India grows about 80% of the world’s guar, 72% of it in Rajasthan, so India is the main exporter of guar gum; Pakistan and a few other countries are small suppliers. Demand has two parts: the oil and gas industry uses guar gum in hydraulic fracturing, mainly in the USA, and food, pharma, paper, textile and cosmetic makers use it as a thickener (food additive E412). Oilfield demand swings with drilling activity, so food- and pharma-grade guar and modified derivatives give steadier business.

  1. 01Pick the grade and market

    Oilfield, food, pharma and industrial grades have different buyers and specs. Food and pharma pay more and are steadier.

  2. 02Choose a split-and-powder plant

    Buy from processors in Jodhpur, other Rajasthan hubs or Gujarat with food certification and a lab.

  3. 03Agree specs and method

    Fix viscosity, test conditions, mesh, moisture and microbiology in writing.

  4. 04Test each batch

    Issue a certificate of analysis per batch; get third-party tests for EU contaminants where the buyer asks.

  5. 05Pack and ship

    Pack in lined bags, palletise, stuff and file the shipping bill.

  6. 06Get paid and close the file

    Send the original documents through your bank (or to the buyer if paid in advance). Once the money arrives, get the e-BRC and claim RoDTEP and drawback where they apply.

Meet buyers

Trade fairs

Questions

Questions about exporting guar gum

Why does guar gum demand swing so much?
A large share goes to US shale drilling, which rises and falls with oil prices. Food and pharma demand is steadier.
What is the most important spec?
Viscosity, with the exact test conditions. Two labs using different conditions will report different numbers.
Is guar gum an APEDA product?
Yes, APEDA covers guar gum; register with it for the RCMC.
Do I need FSSAI for oilfield grade?
FSSAI covers food. If you also handle food grade from the same premises, keep the licence and separate the lines.
What are derivatives?
Chemically modified guar (such as hydroxypropyl or cationic guar) for oilfield, cosmetics and textile printing; they earn more than plain powder.
Sources (4)
  1. APEDA — Guar Gum profile (world share and Rajasthan share)
  2. Directorate of Marketing & Inspection — AGMARK grade standards (commodity-wise rules)
  3. APEDA — Recognised organisations (list of recognised laboratories, FSMS bodies)
  4. NABL — National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (laboratory search)

Who buys Indian guar gum

All countries →

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