National News
GJ Exports Show Signs Of Stabilization Amid Global Headwinds With A Rise Of 26.51% In June 2026; Imports Also Rise By 10.06% In The Same Period
The Overall Gems & Jewellery Exports Witnessed A Rise After A Prolonged Downtrend And Indicates A Revival In Overseas Demand Dynamics
The overall gross gems & jewellery exports grew by 26.51% to US$ 2212.65 million (Rs. 21010.78 crores) in June 2026 after a long trail of decline. Quarterly performance of the April to June 2026 period also reflects a positive sign, with a rise of 0.04% to US$ 6612.21 million (Rs. 62588.61 crores) as compared to last year.
Here are the important points highlighted from the provided performance report for the Indian gems and jewellery sector in June 2026 and the April-June 2026 quarter:
Overall Sector Performance
- Export Revival: Overall gross gems and jewellery exports broke a prolonged downtrend, growing by 26.51% in June 2026 to US$ 2,212.65 million.
- Quarterly Growth: The April–June 2026 period stabilized with a marginal rise of 0.04% to US$ 6,612.21 million year-on-year (YoY).
- Imports: Gross imports grew by 10.06% in June 2026, though the cumulative April–June period saw a 5.9% decline YoY.
Diamonds (Natural vs. Lab-Grown)
- Cut & Polished Diamonds (CPD):
- June 2026 exports grew by 8.71% to US$ 846.73 million.
- Quarterly volume (Apr–Jun) increased by 8.98% (39.88 lakh carats), though cumulative value dipped slightly by 4.13% (681.76.
- Quarterly imports surged by 66.13%, showcasing a clear preference for Special Economic Zones (SEZs) over Domestic Tariff Areas (DTAs).
- Rough Diamonds: Imports continued to decline (-27.11% in June; -32.42% for the quarter) as manufacturers focused on clearing existing inventory amid volatile overseas demand.
- Polished Lab-Grown Diamonds (LGD): Continued a massive growth surge, with June exports up 52.25% and quarterly value up 14.92% (volume up 31.97%). LGDs are rapidly emerging as a highly lucrative, price-conscious alternative to natural diamonds.
Gold, Silver & Platinum Jewellery
- Gold Jewellery: June 2026 exports spiked by 54.50% to US$ 1,087.74 million, driven by stabilizing global buyers’ sentiments.
- Plain Gold: June exports grew 25.34%, but the quarter fell 23.30% due to mixed monthly trends earlier in the year.
- Studded Gold: Experienced stellar growth, rising 85.35% in June and 20.10% for the overall quarter.
- Silver Jewellery: Retains strong momentum as the preferred affordable alternative to gold, maintaining robust double-digit YoY growth.
- Platinum Jewellery: Quarterly exports jumped 27.66% to US$ 58.67 million, fueled by international demand for premium, cost-effective contemporary jewellery.
Alternative Categories & Investment
- Coloured Gemstones: Quarterly exports dropped 15.0% to US$ 82.25 million, largely hampered by temporary international logistical barriers rather than a drop in core demand.
- Gold Medals & Medallions: Quarterly exports skyrocketed by 86.42% to US$ 1.81 million, underscoring strong overseas investor sentiment using gold as a hedge against global inflation.
Outlook
The strong June performance indicates a reinstatement of international demand and points toward highly positive holiday season sales moving into the October–December quarter.
National News
NPCI Defers Rollout Of UPI Merchant Discount Rate Until After Diwali
Given Typical Retail Margins Of 2%–6% On Bullion and Plain Gold Jewellery, Absorbing A 0.4% Fee—Or Up To ₹300 Per Large Transaction—Would Have Directly Eaten Into Festive Profitability. The Deferral Keeps Bottom Lines Protected Through Dhanteras and Diwali.
The National Payments Corporation of India’s (NPCI) UPI and Services Steering Committee has deferred the implementation of Merchant Discount Rates (MDR) on select person-to-merchant (P2M) UPI transactions until immediately after Diwali.
The move aims to protect consumer sentiment and keep operational costs steady for businesses during the peak festive shopping season. A specific implementation date will be announced separately.
Key Highlights
- Festive Relief for Retail: The deferment ensures merchants face no additional payment processing costs during peak festive demand, helping avoid disruptions to consumer spending.
- The Approved MDR Structure:
- Applies only to eligible P2M transactions above Rs 2,000 at a rate of 0.4%.
- Capped at Rs 300 for high-value transactions of Rs 75,000 and above.
- Everyday low-value payments and small merchants remain fully exempt, preserving zero-cost digital transactions for general consumers.
- Timeline Adjustment: Originally notified on September 15 for an October 15 rollout, the framework will now take effect post-Diwali, giving banks, payment aggregators, and merchants additional runway to align their systems and communicate terms clearly.
Jewellery purchase values routinely exceed the Rs 2,000 threshold and frequently touch or surpass the Rs 75,000 cap. Given typical retail margins of 2%–6% on bullion and plain gold jewellery, absorbing a 0.4% fee—or up to Rs 300 per large transaction—would have directly eaten into festive profitability. The deferral keeps bottom lines protected through Dhanteras and Diwali.
Introducing transaction fees just as footfall surges would have forced retailers to decide whether to absorb the cost or pass it on to buyers (via checkout surcharges or selective discounts). Avoiding this choice prevents awkward billing counter negotiations and cart abandonment during rush hours.
NPCI Defers Rollout Of UPI Merchant Discount Rate Until After Diwali
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