Cloves (Raw) Production by Country 2025
Cloves represent a premium spice crop with highly concentrated global production, with Indonesia dominating at 135,178 tonnes in 2023, projected to reach 135,877 tonnes by 2025. Total global output stood at 185,692 tonnes in 2023, marking a 0.5% reduction from 2022. Madagascar follows with 24,681 tonnes, while Tanzania produces 8,582 tonnes. These aromatic flower buds (Syzygium aromaticum) serve as essential spice in cuisines worldwide, valued for their intense flavor, medicinal properties, and use in traditional medicine. Production remains concentrated in just 9 countries, primarily tropical islands and coastal regions, reflecting the crop's specific climatic requirements.
Indonesia leads with 135,178 tonnes, showing volatility from 131,014 to 145,984, representing approximately 75% of global production. Production concentrates in Maluku Islands (original "Spice Islands"), North Sulawesi, and Sumatra where clove trees thrive in tropical volcanic soils. Indonesian production serves domestic consumption in kretek cigarettes (clove cigarettes consuming 90,000+ tonnes annually), cooking, and traditional medicine, while exports supply global markets. The country dominates global clove trade. However, price volatility and aging trees challenge consistent production. Government programs support replanting and quality improvement. Madagascar contributes 24,681 tonnes with stable production around 24,000 tonnes, representing second-largest producer. Production concentrates in northeastern coastal regions where French colonial influence established clove cultivation. Tanzania adds 8,582 tonnes, primarily from Zanzibar and Pemba islands historically known as major clove producers. Comoros produces 7,663 tonnes across its islands. African production serves export markets, particularly to Middle East, Europe, and Asia. However, aging trees and limited replanting constrain production expansion. Quality varies depending on harvesting and drying methods. Sri Lanka produces 5,899 tonnes, maintaining production around 5,000-6,000 tonnes. Kenya contributes 2103 tonnes from coastal regions. China adds 1,323 tonnes, Malaysia 221 tonnes. These countries cultivate cloves as cash crop for export and domestic use. Production remains modest compared to Indonesia's dominance. Sri Lankan cloves serve traditional medicine and cooking. The region's production benefits from suitable tropical climate but faces competition from other crops offering better returns. Cloves serve multiple applications: culinary spice in baking, beverages, and savory dishes; traditional medicine for dental pain relief and digestive issues; essential oil extraction for pharmaceuticals and aromatherapy; kretek cigarettes in Indonesia consuming majority of production; food preservation due to antimicrobial properties. Eugenol, the main active compound, provides analgesic and antiseptic properties. Growing health consciousness drives demand for natural remedies. Food industry uses cloves in spice blends, sauces, and processed foods. Clove trees thrive in tropical climates with temperatures 20-30°C, high humidity, and rainfall 1,500-2,500mm. Trees begin flowering in 6-8 years, reaching full production at 15-20 years, and remain productive for 50+ years. Harvesting occurs when flower buds turn pink but before opening, requiring careful timing for optimal quality. Buds are hand-picked, sun-dried for 3-5 days until dark brown. Labor-intensive harvesting and processing limit mechanization. Trees produce biannually with alternating heavy and light crops. Diseases including sudden death disease challenge Indonesian production. Clove prices fluctuate $4,000-12,000/tonne depending on quality, origin, and market conditions. Indonesian domestic demand from kretek industry supports prices. Madagascar and Tanzania export most production. Growing demand for natural spices and essential oils drives consumption. However, price volatility from production swings creates market instability. Essential oil market provides value-added opportunities at $50-100/kg. Organic and fair-trade cloves command premium prices. Competition from synthetic eugenol affects essential oil markets. Global clove production projected to remain stable through 2025 around 180,000 tonnes, with Indonesia maintaining dominance. Indonesian kretek industry ensures strong domestic demand despite health concerns about clove cigarettes. Growing interest in natural spices and traditional medicine supports consumption. Climate change poses minimal risks as cloves tolerate tropical conditions. The industry faces challenges from aging trees requiring replanting programs. Investment in improved varieties, processing infrastructure, and quality standards supports market development. Cloves' culinary importance and medicinal applications ensure continued demand despite concentrated production geography and price volatility.🏆 Indonesia's Market Dominance
Cloves (Raw) Production by Country 2025
1
135,877
2
24,384
3
8,576
4
7,464
5
5,807
6
2,110
7
1,321
8
221
9
41
🌍 African Island Production
🌏 Asian Production Beyond Indonesia
💪 Uses and Medicinal Properties
🌱 Cultivation and Harvesting
📈 Market Dynamics and Trade
🔮 Market Outlook
Cloves (Raw) Production by Country 2025
#
1
131,014
140,797
145,984
135,753
137,124
135,178
135,877
2
23,634
23,120
23,931
24,038
24,120
24,681
24,384
3
8,639
8,504
8,602
8,582
8,562
8,582
8,576
4
7,500
6,941
6,799
7,072
7,393
7,663
7,464
5
5,508
4,377
6,711
5,706
5,722
5,899
5,807
6
2,085
2,123
2,075
2,127
2,108
2,103
2,110
7
1,321
1,313
1,327
1,320
1,320
1,323
1,321
8
226
225
223
222
222
221
221
9
39
39
39
39
40
42
41
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country produces the most cloves in the world?
Indonesia is the world's largest cloves producer with 135,178 tonnes in 2023, projected to reach 135,877 tonnes by 2025, accounting for approximately 75% of global production. Madagascar ranks second with 24,681 tonnes, followed by Tanzania at 8,582 tonnes. Indonesia's production concentrates in Maluku Islands (original "Spice Islands"), North Sulawesi, and Sumatra. The country's massive production serves domestic consumption in kretek cigarettes (consuming 90,000+ tonnes annually), cooking, and traditional medicine, while dominating global clove exports.
Why does Indonesia consume so many cloves domestically?
Indonesia's domestic clove consumption reaches 90,000+ tonnes annually, primarily for kretek cigarettes (clove cigarettes) which are culturally significant and widely consumed despite health concerns. Kretek cigarettes contain 30-40% cloves mixed with tobacco, creating distinctive aroma and flavor. This unique consumption pattern makes Indonesia both world's largest producer and consumer of cloves. The kretek industry employs hundreds of thousands of workers and represents important cultural tradition. Remaining production serves cooking, traditional medicine, and exports, making Indonesia's clove market fundamentally different from other producing countries.
Data Disclaimer: Projected data (future years) are estimates based on mathematical models. Actual values may differ. Learn about our methodology →
Sources
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Updated: 07.11.2025https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL
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