International News
GJEPC represents GJ sector during President Murmu’s Botswana visit
GJEPC is led the gem and jewellery sector’s presence during Hon’ble President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu’s state visit to Botswana from 11 to 14 November.As part of Indian delegation, led by South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SGCCI), Jayanti Savaliya, Regional Chairman – Gujarat, GJEPC, is headed a team representing the diamond sector that includes Hitesh Shah of Venus Jewel, Darshak Narola of Shree Ramkrishna Exports, and Brijesh Dholakia of Hari Krishna Exports. The broader Indian delegation is led by Nikhil Madrasi, President, SGCCI, which was invited by the Botswana government to accompany President Murmu.
Savaliya, along with the rest of the Indian delegation, received a special invitation to the state dinner from H.E. Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, the President of Botswana, and presented him with a handcrafted memento showcasing a blend of traditional Indian crafts. The centrepiece was created in the GI-tagged Sadeli marquetry style, known for its precise geometric wood-inlay work. It was paired with artisanal detailing drawn from India’s broader gem and jewellery heritage, including fine metalwork and miniature decorative techniques. President Boko appreciated the craftsmanship and the cultural narrative conveyed through the piece.
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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