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Case for customs duty hike on gold

G. CHANDRASHEKHAR, Advisor, ERTF

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In July 2024, the government sharply reduced the total customs duty on gold import from a high of 15% to 6% (comprising 5% basic customs duty and 1% agri infra development cess) providing a major boost to import of the yellow metal.

The precious metals trade hailed the move as a major reform, although there was no official justification for the duty reduction that involved huge revenue sacrifice.

That gold is a demerit commodity is well recognized. India spends enormous amounts of precious foreign exchange every year to import gold. From 678.3 tons worth US$ 35 Billion in 2022-23, imports surged to 748.3 tons valued at $ 42.6 Billion the following year, and then on to set a new record of $ 58 Billion (757 tons) in 2024-25, the result of duty reduction.

In the first six months of 2025-26, gold import totaled 300 tons worth $ 26.5 Billion.

Interestingly, and in a way shockingly, India’s gold imports in October 2025 surged to $ 14.7 billion, nearly tripling from $ 4.9 billion in October 2024.

It was said to be driven by high festive season demand amid record global prices. This massive spike (165 tons) contributed to a record monthly merchandise trade deficit of $ 41.7 billion and put considerable pressure on the Rupee.

Anecdotal reports suggest a contraction in physical demand for gold for jewelry. Weak demand has forced many jewelers to sell gold ornaments at a discount to current prices. The obvious demand destruction follows rising gold prices in the global market and a rapidly depreciating Rupee that makes import more expensive.

One estimate suggests approximately 30% of gold demand is for jewelry and related items while as much as 70% is ‘investment’ demand, a euphemism for speculative investment. In other words, the average middle-class families that buy gold jewelry have suffered because of high prices, while ‘investors’ have benefited by treating gold as a financial instrument.

The government must feel concerned about the ballooning trade deficit and currency depreciation contributed by massive import of less-essential goods like gold.

In the upcoming Union Budget 2026-27, it is imperative for the Finance Minister to consider strategies to contain the expanding trade deficit, stabilize the currency, and focus on Debt to GDP.

One way to achieve these multiple objectives would be to restore status quo ante as far as gold import duty is concerned. Hiking import duty on gold back to 15% would be an easy win for the government. It will help fill the coffers with additional revenue for the exchequer. As a major importer of gold, India must use its import power.

Of course, there would be opposition to the duty hike. One favourite argument is that higher duty would encourage smuggling. This is a specious argument because our border control, surveillance and anti-smuggling initiatives are far more modern and technology-driven than they were a few decades ago. ‘Smuggling’ is a bogey the trade raises often. Those who claim smuggling must be asked to prove it.

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By Invitation

India’s Next Decade in Jewellery Exports: Scale, Discipline & Global Positioning

By Darshan Chauhan,  Director –

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Sky Gold Ltd.

India’s jewellery export journey has been built on generations of craftsmanship, entrepreneurial resilience and an unmatched manufacturing ecosystem. From artisan-led workshops to technologically advanced facilities, the country has steadily earned global recognition as a reliable sourcing destination. Yet the coming decade represents a transition. The conversation is no longer only about producing more; it is about exporting smarter, operating with discipline and positioning India as a structured global partner rather than merely a manufacturing base.

The global jewellery trade itself is undergoing a quiet transformation. International buyers today evaluate suppliers through a wider lens. Design capability and competitive pricing remain important, but equal weight is now given to compliance, transparency, delivery consistency and financial stability. Export relationships are becoming long-term strategic partnerships rather than transactional buying arrangements.

For Indian exporters, this shift presents both an opportunity and a responsibility.

One of the most significant changes ahead will be market diversification. The United States has historically driven a substantial share of India’s jewellery exports, and it will continue to remain a vital market. However, concentration in a single geography exposes businesses to currency fluctuations, economic cycles and regulatory shifts. The Middle East has emerged as a strong growth corridor, supported by trade agreements, logistical advantages and evolving consumer demand. At the same time, regions such as Australia and parts of Europe are opening opportunities for exporters willing to meet higher compliance standards.

Diversification, therefore, is not about expanding aggressively into every market. It is about building balanced exposure that enhances stability while protecting margins.

Alongside geographic expansion, compliance is becoming a defining factor in global positioning. Responsible sourcing practices, traceability systems and governance standards are increasingly shaping procurement decisions. International brands are consolidating supplier networks and partnering with exporters who demonstrate reliability beyond production capability. In this environment, compliance should not be viewed as an external obligation. It strengthens credibility and enables access to premium markets where trust carries measurable value.

Equally important is capital discipline. Jewellery exports operate within a high-value commodity framework where gold price volatility directly impacts profitability. Elevated gold prices amplify the cost of inefficiencies, whether through excess inventory, unhedged exposure or extended payment cycles. Export growth in the coming decade will depend on closer alignment between procurement, treasury management and production planning. Structured hedging practices, bullion banking relationships and disciplined working capital management will increasingly separate stable exporters from vulnerable ones.

 Manufacturing evolution will also play a central role. India already possesses scale; the next step is precision. Technology adoption, including CNC manufacturing, advanced prototyping and integrated digital production systems, enhances consistency while reducing wastage. Global buyers value predictability as much as creativity. When craftsmanship is supported by

process-driven manufacturing, India’s competitive advantage becomes far more compelling.

At the same time, India must gradually move beyond being perceived solely as a cost-competitive supplier. Countries that have successfully strengthened their global positioning have invested in design identity, innovation and long-term brand perception. Indian exporters have the opportunity to shift the narrative toward reliability, creativity and manufacturing excellence. Building deeper partnerships with international buyers, rather than focusing only on order volumes, will help achieve this transition.

Sustainability is emerging as another critical dimension of export strategy. Renewable energy adoption, responsible sourcing and environmental accountability are becoming key evaluation criteria in developed markets. These initiatives are not merely ethical considerations; they are risk-management tools that safeguard long-term market access. Exporters who align early with global sustainability expectations will find themselves better positioned as international standards continue to evolve.

Domestic retail trends are also influencing export direction more than before. The growing demand for lightweight, versatile jewellery in India mirrors changing consumer preferences globally. Faster design cycles and data-led product planning are reshaping manufacturing strategies. Exporters who remain closely connected to consumer behaviour both domestically and internationally gain stronger foresight into demand patterns.

The next decade of Indian jewellery exports will therefore be defined by alignment: scale supported by systems, creativity supported by discipline and growth supported by governance. India already has the foundation, skilled artisans, manufacturing depth and strong global relationships. The opportunity now lies in strengthening operational maturity.

If approached with clarity and intention, India can transition from being viewed primarily as the world’s jewellery workshop to being recognised as a trusted global partner in design, manufacturing and supply chain excellence. The future of exports will not depend solely on how much we produce, but on how confidently global markets rely on us.

In that shift lies the true potential of India’s next decade in jewellery exports.

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JewelBuzz is Asia’s First Digital Jewellery Media & India’s No.1 B2B Jewellery Magazine, published by AM Media House. Since 2016, we’ve been the trusted source for jewellery news, market trends, trade insights, exhibitions, podcasts, and brand stories, connecting jewellers, retailers, and industry professionals worldwide.

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