National News
CEPA completes 3 years; powering India-UAE trade and economic ties
Bilateral gem and jewellery trade surged from US$ 20.88 billion in FY2022 to US$ 28.15 billion in FY2024, reflecting a robust 35% increase
The *Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)* between *India and the UAE*, formalised on 18th February 2022, has profoundly strengthened economic ties between the two nations. As we commemorate its third anniversary, it is evident that CEPA has significantly enhanced trade opportunities, particularly for India’s gem and jewellery industry.
Since CEPA’s implementation, trade between India and the UAE has witnessed remarkable growth. The bilateral gem and jewellery trade surged from US$ 20.88 billion in FY2022 to US$ 28.15 billion in FY2024, reflecting a robust 35% increase. India’s gem and jewellery exports to the UAE also soared by over 60%, from US$ 4.95 billion in FY2022 to US$ 8.04 billion in FY2024.
Notably, UAE’s share in India’s total exports rose from 13% in FY2022 to 25% in FY2024, overtaking Hong Kong as India’s second-largest export market. This underscores the transformative impact of CEPA on India’s trade dynamics.
One of the most significant benefits of CEPA has been the duty-free access for all gem and jewellery products, including gold, silver, and platinum jewellery, along with polished diamonds and gemstones.This development has motivated Indian exporters to increase their supply of various gem and jewellery items to the UAE, capitalising on the enhanced market access provided by the agreement.
This policy shift has led to substantial growth in key export categories:
Plain Gold Jewellery: Exports surged by 127.62%, reaching US$ 4,240 million in FY2024.
Studded Gold Jewellery: Increased by over 50%, from US$ 917 million in FY2022 to US$ 1,382 million in FY2024.
Worked Lab-Grown Diamonds: Witnessed a 58.16% growth, reaching US$ 172 million in FY2024.
Platinum Jewellery: Recorded a staggering 820.87% increase, reaching US$ 23 million.
Coloured Gemstones: Grew by 17.19% to US$ 9.34 million
*Kirit Bhansali*, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “The India-UAE CEPA has propelled our gem and jewellery exports to new heights, growing by over 60% from US$ 4.95 billion in FY2022 to US$ 8.04 billion in FY2024. The UAE now accounts for nearly a quarter of India’s total gem and jewellery exports, surpassing Hong Kong. The duty-free advantage has unlocked immense opportunities, particularly in plain gold jewellery, which saw a 127% surge. As we celebrate three years of CEPA, we remain committed to strengthening this vital partnership and exploring new avenues for growth.”
National News
Malabar Gold & Diamonds Executes First Jewellery Export To The UK Under India–UK Trade Agreement
Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the world’s fourth largest jewellery retailer and a responsible jeweller, has exported jewellery to the United Kingdom under the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. With this, Malabar Gold & Diamonds has become one of the first Indian jewellers to export jewellery to the UK under the agreement. This marks a significant milestone in the company’s international growth journey as well as in India’s jewellery export sector.
The inauguration ceremony for Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ jewellery exports to the UK under the India–UK Trade Agreement was held at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi. The event was attended by British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, Malabar Gold & Diamonds North India Regional Head Mohammed Jishad N.K., representatives of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), and senior government officials.
The India–UK Trade Agreement will help strengthen economic cooperation between India and the United Kingdom while creating new opportunities for the Indian jewellery industry, said M.P. Ahammed, Chairman of Malabar Group.
M.P. Ahammed Added:
“It is a matter of great pride for Malabar Gold & Diamonds to be among the first jewellers to export under this agreement. Following the philosophy of ‘Make in India, Market to the World,’ we have been consistently striving to take Indian craftsmanship to global markets. This has also enabled us to create large-scale employment opportunities. Our first export to the UK is a proud milestone for both us and the Indian jewellery industry. It will help us further strengthen our supply chain, deliver greater value to customers, and enhance our competitiveness in the UK market.
We see this as the beginning of stronger trade relations between India and the United Kingdom. Even as we expand our business globally, we remain committed to ensuring the highest standards of quality, trust, and responsible business practices,”
Malabar Gold & Diamonds has planned significant business expansion in the UK, the US, Canada, and other countries through its Western Value Chain. In addition to its existing presence, the company plans to open more than 30 new showrooms in these markets. By becoming a part of the India–UK Trade Agreement from its very inception, Malabar Gold & Diamonds has further reinforced its commitment to leveraging new opportunities in global markets through responsible sourcing while adhering to international quality standards and regulatory requirements.
With more than 445 showrooms across 14 countries, Malabar Gold & Diamonds continues to strengthen India’s position in the global jewellery industry by bringing world-class jewellery designs and superior manufacturing excellence to international markets.
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