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
Gold and Silver Decline On a Strong Dollar
Navigating Volatility Between Oil Costs and Currency Strength
The Indian bullion market took a breather this Thursday as a combination of a stronger dollar and geopolitical shifts triggered a wave of profit-taking. After reaching record heights earlier in the week, both gold and silver saw a significant pullback on the MCX. The domestic futures gold price on MCX traded 2.54 percent lower to Rs 1,49,800 per 10 grams of 24-carat purity, from the previous close. Silver edged 6 percent down to Rs 2,28,891 per kilogram. Bullion has fallen as investors rush to book profits from recent highs.
The rally lost steam as several macroeconomic factors converged to weigh down the metals:
- Profit Booking: After gold surged to a staggering Rs 1,54,500 per 10 grams yesterday, investors were quick to lock in gains, leading to a sharp intraday correction. Currency Pressure: A firmer U.S. Dollar made dollar-priced commodities more expensive for holders of other currencies, dampening demand. Geopolitical Cool-down: Signs of de-escalation in West Asia have slightly reduced the “safe-haven” premium that usually keeps bullion prices inflated. Energy & Economy: While tightening energy supplies and rising oil prices often act as a floor for metal prices, they weren’t enough to offset today’s broad sell-off.
Outlook
Despite the current correction, the underlying market remains sensitive. While easing tensions in West Asia provides some relief, the interplay between rising oil costs and a strong dollar will continue to dictate the short-term volatility for precious metals. For now, the “rush to the exits” is the primary driver as the market stabilizes from its recent peaks.
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