National News
GJEPC seeks government intervention over US reciprocal tariff proposal
Top representatives of India’s gems and jewellery sector have urgently briefed Hon’ble Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal, IAS, on the potential repercussions of the United States’ recent notice regarding reciprocal tariffs. The delegation, led by Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, along with Adil Kotwal, President, Seepz Gem & Jewellery Manufacturers’ Association (SGJMA), and Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC, presented a detailed overview of the industry’s concerns and proposed mitigation strategies.
The briefing aimed to underscore the significant impact the proposed tariffs could have on Indian exports and the broader industry. Satya Srinivas, IRS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce (MoC), and Dnyaneshwar Patil, Development Commissioner, SEEPZ were also present to offer a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand.
The US notice, which threatens reciprocal tariffs, has raised concerns within the Indian gems and jewellery sector, a key contributor to the nation’s export revenue. The industry leaders outlined the potential economic fallout and presented specific recommendations to safeguard interests.
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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