International News
AGTA engages US Policymakers for gemstone tariff relief
In response to President Trump’s 5th September Executive Order, American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) President Bruce Bridges and CEO John W. Ford Sr. visited Washington, D.C. during the week of 15th September to engage directly with policymakers on import tariffs affecting gemstones.
During their trip, Bridges and Ford held meetings with Cabinet agencies, the White House, and trade officials at the US Trade Representative’s Office, as well as with U.S. Senators and House members, including Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Representatives Darrell Issa, David Rouzer, Ronny Jackson, Mike Bost, and Randy Weber.
The Executive Order allows for the possibility of zero reciprocal tariffs on products “that cannot be grown, mined, or naturally produced in the United States,” and Annex III specifically includes gemstones under Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners (PTAAP).
AGTA’s delegation expressed appreciation for the inclusion of gemstones while seeking clarity on implementation. Officials confirmed that reciprocal trade and security agreements must be negotiated with individual trading partners before tariff reductions can take effect. US trade negotiators also welcomed AGTA’s offer to engage source countries directly to support active trade discussions.
International News
GJEPC Auckland Visit Targets Growth In India-NZ Jewellery Trade
The Opportunity In New Zealand Is Significant Relative To The Current Level Of Jewellery Trade. India’s Gem and Jewellery Exports To New Zealand Rose 50.56% To US$25.46 Million In FY2025-26, From US$16.91 Million In FY2024-25.
The GJEPC trade delegation’s Auckland programme has highlighted the scope for expanding India’s gem and jewellery exports to New Zealand as the two countries move towards implementing their recently concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The Auckland visit was part of GJEPC’s Australia and New Zealand trade delegation, held from 20-26 August 2026, with the delegation focused on connecting Indian manufacturers and exporters with buyers and industry stakeholders across the two markets.
The opportunity in New Zealand is significant relative to the current level of jewellery trade. India’s gem and jewellery exports to New Zealand rose 50.56% to US$25.46 million in FY2025-26, from US$16.91 million in FY2024-25.
The recently concluded India-New Zealand FTA is expected to create further opportunities for Indian exporters. New Zealand has committed to duty-free access for Indian exports across 100% of its tariff lines once the agreement enters into force.
On 26th August, Vijay Mangukiya, Convener – International Events, GJEPC and leader of the delegation, met Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi, Consul General of India in Auckland. Mangukiya has said the delegation was aimed at bringing Indian manufacturers and exporters closer to buyers and industry stakeholders in both Australia and New Zealand, with the objective of identifying new business opportunities and developing long-term partnerships.
The delegation’s Auckland market visits covered a broad cross-section of the local jewellery sector, including Michael Hill, Wallace Bishop, Hardy Brothers, Prouds, and Partridge Jewellers. The delegation also observed international luxury and contemporary jewellery brands including Van Cleef & Arpels, Roberto Coin, Messika and FOPE, reflecting the competitive environment in which Indian exporters would be seeking to establish or expand relationships.
India’s exports of individual jewellery categories to New Zealand also recorded strong growth in FY2025-26. Gold jewellery exports rose 84% to US$17.47 million, while silver jewellery exports doubled to US$0.91 million. Lab-grown diamond exports rose 2% to US$0.63 million, and imitation jewellery increased 13.16% to US$0.43 million. Cut and polished diamond exports were US$5.76 million.
The figures underline the growing contribution of finished jewellery to India’s New Zealand business. With the FTA expected to improve market access and the Auckland market showing demand across gold, diamonds, coloured stones, pearls and branded jewellery, GJEPC’s delegation is seeking to convert this existing growth into deeper commercial relationships.
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