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
MCX Gold Futures For June Delivery Slip , Geopolitical Uncertainty Keeps Bullion in Focus
International Bullion Markets Remained Volatile As Investors Monitored Developments In US-Iran Negotiations
Gold and silver prices traded lower on Thursday amid easing US Treasury yields and improving global market sentiment, even as geopolitical tensions surrounding the US-Iran conflict continued to influence investor outlook. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures for June delivery slipped Rs. 206 to Rs. 1,59,800 per 10 grams, while silver contracts for July delivery fell Rs. 1,350, or 0.5%, to Rs. 2,72,915 per kilogram.
International bullion markets remained volatile as investors monitored developments in US-Iran negotiations. US President Donald Trump indicated that talks with Iran were in their “final stages” but cautioned that failure to secure an agreement could trigger renewed military action, keeping risk sentiment fragile.
Analysts said precious metal prices continue to be supported by concerns over inflation and safe-haven demand. The partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sustained elevated crude oil prices, fuelling worries about supply disruptions and inflationary pressures.
A softer US dollar and a pullback in Treasury yields also offered some support to bullion after recent bond market volatility. However, expectations of a hawkish stance from the US Federal Reserve continue to weigh on sentiment, with policymakers signalling that further rate hikes may be considered if inflation remains above target.
Market participants are now closely watching progress in US-Iran talks, movements in crude oil prices, and upcoming manufacturing and services PMI data from major economies for further direction in bullion markets. Domestically, higher import duties on gold and silver are expected to keep demand subdued, with prices likely to remain range-bound in the near term.
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