National News
DGFT Summit Explores E-commerce’s Role in Boosting Gem & Jewellery Export Potential
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) hosted an E-commerce Export Summit at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, on 11th March, gathering industry leaders to explore the growing potential of e-commerce in enhancing retail exports. Mr. Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director of GJEPC, delivered a keynote presentation on ‘Enhancing Retail Exports through E-commerce.’
In his opening remarks, Mr. Ray emphasized the critical role of e-commerce platforms in driving growth for the gem and jewellery sector. He noted that e-commerce is particularly well-suited to this industry due to the low volume and high value of its products, making it ideal for cross-border trade. He expressed confidence that businesses in the sector will see substantial growth in the near future, driven by the accessibility and scalability of e-commerce.
Mr. Ray also provided insights into recent foreign trade policy reforms introduced by the Government of India. These regulatory changes have significantly eased e-commerce exports, contributing to the sector’s remarkable growth. Currently, India’s gem and jewellery exports total $38 billion, with projections aiming for $100 billion by 2047, largely fueled by the expanding e-commerce landscape.
He advised exporters to focus on identifying key product markets and understanding consumer preferences to secure repeat business. Additionally, he highlighted the recent partnerships formed by the GJEPC with major e-commerce platforms like eBay, Amazon, and DHL, aiming to provide a seamless export experience for its members.
National News
Smuggled Gold Distorting India’s Bullion Market
Sharp Rise In Smuggled Gold, Driven Largely By The May 2026 Hike In Import Duty To 15%, Which Has Made The Grey Market Significantly Cheaper Than Legal Channels and Squeezed Legitimate Dealers and Jewellers
India’s bullion market is being skewed by a sharp rise in smuggled gold, driven largely by the May 2026 hike in import duty to 15%, which has made the grey market significantly cheaper than legal channels and squeezed legitimate dealers and jewellers.
Market distortion and price gap
- Smuggled gold is now selling at discounts of up to Rs 8,000 per 10 grams compared with official prices, creating a wide arbitrage that undercuts compliant traders.
- Industry executives warn that this price gap is a clear signal of an active grey market, disadvantaging genuine bullion dealers and organised jewellers who pay full duty and taxes.
Scale of illegal inflows
- Industry estimates suggest more than 100 tonnes of gold could enter India through illegal channels in 2026, echoing past surges in smuggling after earlier duty hikes.
- Despite the higher tariff, India’s gold import bill rose 24% to a record $71.9 billion in FY26, even as physical volumes fell to about 721 tonnes, indicating persistent demand being met partly via unofficial routes.
Enforcement response
- Revenue intelligence agencies, particularly the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), have intensified operations against organised smuggling networks using airports, land borders, coastal routes and domestic road transport
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