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GJ exporters  hasten US shipments amid tariff uncertainty

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Following a landmark US Supreme Court ruling on February 20, 2026, which invalidated President Trump’s “reciprocal tariffs” under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the trade landscape has shifted into a volatile transition period. In response, the US administration has invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, implementing a temporary 15% global import surcharge.

Indian exporters in various sectors including GJ are currently racing to maximize shipments within a 150-day window to capitalize on the relative certainty of the current 15% rate before potential further escalations under Section 301. The “150-day window” (ending roughly in July 2026) has become a critical marathon for Indian logistics. While the Supreme Court ruling offered a brief moment of relief by striking down 50% “penalty” duties, the immediate reimposition of a 15% surcharge keeps the “landed cost” of Indian goods high.

Gems and Jewellery sector impact

  • Current Status: The sector is reeling from a 60% year-on-year decline in cut and polished diamond exports (falling from $3.64 billion to $1.45 billion in the April–December 2025 period).
  • Exporter Action: The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) successfully requested Mumbai Customs to remain open over the weekend to facilitate immediate dispatches.
  • Trade Deal Outlook: Under a recently announced interim framework, India expects zero-duty access for diamonds and a reduction in jewellery tariffs to 18% (down from 25%). Exporters are rushing to ship goods before these negotiated terms are potentially complicated by the new Section 122 surcharge.

Technical Regulatory Framework

The shift in US policy utilizes two distinct legal “hammers”:

RegulationStatusImpact on Indian Exporters
IEEPA (Reciprocal Tariffs)InvalidatedStruck down by SCOTUS (6-3); provides legal grounds for potential duty refunds.
Section 122 (Trade Act 1974)Active15% surcharge for a maximum of 150 days to address balance-of-payments deficits.
Section 301ThreatenedAllows USTR to impose punitive tariffs for “unfair” trade practices; seen as a looming risk.

Strategic Outlook

The “150-day window” (ending roughly in July 2026) has become a critical marathon for Indian logistics. While the Supreme Court ruling offered a brief moment of relief by striking down 50% “penalty” duties, the immediate reimposition of a 15% surcharge keeps the “landed cost” of Indian goods high.

Note: Exporters are urged to maintain close coordination with the Union Commerce Ministry, as the operationalization of the India-US Interim Trade Pact (expected in April 2026) may offer a “carve-out” or preferential rate that bypasses the global 15% surcharge.

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International News

Gold reclaims $5150,Silver above $85 on mounting tariffs and geopolitical uncertainity AUGMONT BULLION REPORT

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Gold and silver have posted strong rebounds in recent sessions, with gold up about 4% and silver outperforming near 10%, driven primarily by heightened safe-haven demand amid macro and geopolitical uncertainty. The rebound reflects investor flows back into bullion as risk assets falter and uncertainties mount around economic growth, trade policy, and geopolitical risk.

Weaker U.S. GDP and macro cues

U.S. economic data showed slower-than-expected Q4 GDP growth at around 1.4% annualised, well below forecasts, signaling that the economic expansion has lost momentum. At the same time, inflation readings continue to show persistence, leaving policymakers in a data-dependent stance. The weaker growth outlook supports expectations for future Federal Reserve rate cuts, which is constructive for gold and silver prices as lower rates tend to reduce real yields and support non-yielding assets. 

Tariff uncertainty and trade policy risks

A landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling struck down sweeping tariff powers previously wielded by the president, creating uncertainty around global trade policy. Although an alternative tariff was announced by Trump on the same day, ambiguity and potential disruption to existing trade deals have unnerved markets. The resulting dollar softness makes precious metals cheaper for foreign buyers and reinforces safe-haven flows. 

Geopolitical risk premium remains elevated

Growing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, including warnings from President Donald Trump over nuclear talks and possible military action, have reintroduced a geopolitical risk premium into markets. Such risk-off dynamics tend to amplify silver’s volatility alongside gold’s safe-haven appeal.

Dollar and rate expectations

The dollar’s recent weakness, partly due to trade and growth uncertainties, has boosted bullion appeal. Traders still see potential for rate cuts later in the year as growth softens while inflation gradually eases, a combination that typically favours precious metals.

The recent rebound in gold and silver prices is driven by a mix of macro slowdowns, tariff uncertainty, and renewed geopolitical risks, rather than a pure technical reversal. These factors are supportive of safe-haven demand in the near to medium term. Investors should watch additional U.S. economic prints, Fed policy messaging, and geopolitical developments closely, as these will influence the durability of the current precious metals uptrend.

Gold has delivered a decisive breakout, sustaining above the key psychological level of $5,000 and moving past its earlier consolidation ceiling near $5,130. This technical breakout indicates renewed bullish momentum, with prices now likely targeting the next resistance zones at $5,300 (approximately Rs.1,63,000) and $5,400 (approximately Rs.1,66,000). The move suggests fresh buying interest rather than short covering, keeping the near-term bias positive.

In contrast, silver continues to trade within a consolidation range. Prices are gradually approaching the resistance level around $92 (approximately Rs.2,80,000). Unless a strong breakout occurs above this zone, silver may remain range-bound with intermittent volatility.

Given the current setup, a disciplined buy-on-dips and sell-on-rallies strategy remains advisable, particularly in silver, while gold maintains a stronger upward momentum bias.

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