US President Donald Trump plans to implement reciprocal tariffs on all countries, countering previous speculation of targeting only 10 to 15 nations. These tariffs aim to rebalance trade and support US manufacturing, although specifics on affected countries and tariff calculations remain unclear.US President Donald Trump announced that he plans to begin his reciprocal tariff strategy with “all countries,” dismissing speculation that the initial tariffs, set to be unveiled on April 2, would target only 10 to 15 nations.

He has pledged to impose reciprocal tariffs on countries that levy fees on U.S. exports, aiming to match their duties. In February, Trump signed a memorandum instructing U.S. trade officials to craft customised countermeasures for each targeted country.

A hike in US tariffs that could adversely affect Indias  already-struggling diamond and jewellery sectors. India’s exports of gems and jewelry particularly studded gold jewelry and cut and polished diamonds will be largely impacted. A sudden tariff hike could severely impact exports, putting thousands of livelihoods at risk.

In 2024, India’s key exports to the US included precious and semi-precious stones (USD 5.3 billion), gold and other precious metal jewellery (USD 3.2 billion).India’s imports from the US included  cut and polished diamonds (USD 2.6 billion),  and gold (USD 1.3 billion).

US spot silver  reached a five-month high of $34.58 before experiencing a significant pullback towards the $34.00 level. This suggests profit-taking by traders and a reduction in exposure ahead of potentially volatile US macroeconomic releases.

The price action indicates a breach of the initial support level at $34.23, the March 18 peak. This breach signals potential for further downward momentum.Traders are exhibiting caution, likely due to the anticipation of upcoming US economic data, which could significantly impact the US Dollar and, consequently, the price of silver.

Key Support and Resistance Levels:Support: $34.23 (breached), $33.51 (March 26 daily low), $33.00.Resistance: $34.25, $34.58 (YTD high), $35.00.

The recent price action suggests a shift in short-term momentum from bullish to bearish.A daily close below $34.23 is a critical indicator of potential further downside.The next support levels at $33.51 and $33.00 are crucial for determining the extent of the pullback.Conversely, if XAG/USD manages to hold above $34.25, it could signal a resumption of the bullish trend, with the YTD high of $34.58 and the $35.00 level as potential targets.

US Macroeconomic Data: Upcoming US economic releases will be a significant driver of XAG/USD price action. These releases will influence the strength of the US Dollar, which has an inverse relationship with silver prices.Trader Positioning: The recent pullback suggests traders are unwinding long positions and reducing risk exposure.

Gold Price Correlation: Silver often exhibits a strong correlation with gold prices. Movements in gold will likely influence XAG/USD.Global Economic Uncertainty: Ongoing global economic uncertainty, including geopolitical tensions, can drive safe-haven demand for precious metals like silver.

Chow Sang Sang’s- China’s third biggest jewelry retailer (by revenue) – 2024 financial results reveal a company grappling with significant headwinds in its core markets. The reported net loss of 74 stores out of 1,032, coupled with a 15% decline in sales and a 20% drop in profit, paints a picture of a retailer under considerable pressure.

Significant Closures: The closure of 122 stores, predominantly in Mainland China, highlights a strategic retreat in response to declining sales. This indicates a recognition of over-saturation or underperforming locations. Limited Expansion: Opening only 48 stores suggests a conservative approach, focusing on optimizing existing resources rather than aggressive expansion.Future Uncertainty: The company’s statement regarding “prudent… physical store network consolidation” implies further closures are possible, reflecting a pessimistic outlook on near-term market recovery.

Revenue Decline: The 15% drop in revenue (HKD 21.18bn) signifies a substantial reduction in consumer spending on jewelry .Profit Slump: The 20% decrease in profit (HKD 805.6m) underscores the impact of reduced sales and potentially heightened operational costs.Same-Store Sales Decline: The steep decline in same-store sales (38% in Mainland China and 24% in Hong Kong and Macau) indicates a systemic issue, not just localized problems. This suggests a broader consumer shift away from jewelry purchases.

Weak Demand: The report attributes the poor performance to “weak demand,” suggesting a shift in consumer preferences or reduced discretionary spending.Record-High Gold Prices: Elevated gold prices likely impacted affordability, particularly for gold jewelry, potentially driving consumers to alternative investments or postponing purchases.Economic Slowdown: The economic slowdown in China, Hong Kong, and Macau created a challenging retail environment, affecting consumer confidence and spending.Declining Diamond Demand: The report specifically mentions a drop in diamond demand as a primary driver of the same-store sales decline. This may indicate a shift in consumer preference away from diamonds, or a reduction in high value purchases in general.

Focus on Cost Optimization: The store closures indicate a focus on cost reduction and operational efficiency.Potential Product Diversification: The decline in diamond demand may necessitate a strategic shift towards other product categories or price points.

E-commerce and Online Strategies: In a challenging physical retail environment, strengthening online sales channels becomes crucial.Market Adaptability: The company’s ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and economic conditions will be critical for its future performance.