International News
Dr. Tariq Thomas, Director, DoC, Visits IJEX, commends industry engagement
The launch brings ethically sourced, traceable diamonds to retail stores, offering consumers immersive experiences and personalized stories behind each stone.
Dr. Tariq Thomas, IAS, Director, Department of Commerce, visited IJEX Dubai, a project of GJEPC, and engaged with exhibitors to understand how the platform is supporting Indian companies in international markets. He described the visit as an encouraging experience and noted that IJEX is providing exporters a structured environment to showcase capabilities and build connections with buyers across the region.
Dr. Thomas interacted with several participants, including Diz Luxe Jewellery of Rajkot, Yug by Tanvi Exports of Mumbai, Jewelounge of New Delhi, Diviyansh of Kolkata and Loyal Sting RFID, the first Allied Services exhibitor at the centre. Many companies shared that IJEX has helped them gain visibility, reach new clients and assess demand patterns more accurately. Dr. Thomas acknowledged this feedback and appreciated GJEPC’s commitment to strengthening export readiness through consistent industry engagement.
Dr. Thomas toured the local market, where he met BHIMA Jewellers. The interaction offered insights into consumer behaviour, product preferences and overall retail sentiment in the region.
The impact of IJEX has been evident in the growing number of exporters who now rely on the platform to showcase their strengths, expand their networks, and tap new business opportunities. For the industry, it has become a steady base that shortens the distance between manufacturers and buyers, supports smaller players, and strengthens India’s position as a preferred sourcing destination.
International News
AGTA appeals US Government to Scrap 10% Import Tariff on Gemstones
Trade body seeks exemption for coloured gemstones under new temporary tariff regime, with potential implications for diamonds.
The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has formally appealed to the US government to remove the newly imposed 10% global import tariff on gemstones, and potentially diamonds, warning of its impact on the trade.
The tariff was announced on February 20 after the US Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). In response, the administration introduced a temporary 10% import surcharge under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. The measure will remain in effect for 150 days unless Congress votes to extend it, though further tariff mechanisms have not been ruled out.
AGTA has submitted a formal request to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), urging that precious and semiprecious coloured gemstones be added to the exception list under Annex I or Annex II. The association argued that these stones are not mined domestically in the US and therefore should qualify for exemption.
Previously, AGTA’s lobbying efforts contributed to diamonds and gemstones being included in Annex III — a list of products eligible for potential exemption from duties for “aligned” countries. This had placed Indian diamonds and gemstones on track for relief following a prospective US-India trade agreement. However, it remains unclear whether Annex III provisions apply under the new tariff framework that recently took effect.
If the across-the-board exemption request is denied, AGTA has asked the USTR to confirm whether Annex III remains a viable pathway for country-specific tariff relief on coloured gemstones.
While the current petition focuses on coloured gemstones, AGTA noted that trade experts believe any exemption granted in this category could effectively extend to diamonds, as seen in past trade agreements such as the US–European Union deal.
“We will continue to work tirelessly toward eliminating tariffs on gemstone imports into the US. We remain fully committed to this effort — giving up is not an option,” said AGTA President Bruce Bridges and CEO John Ford.
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