Against a backdrop of mounting trade challenges, India’s gem and jewellery exporters gathered in Jaipur for the International Gem & Jewellery Show (IGJS) 2025, an exclusive export-focused event organized by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). Held from April 3 to 5, the show drew 50 of India’s leading exporters and more than 180 international buyers from 28 countries, reinforcing Jaipur’s status as a pivotal hub in the global jewellery trade.

The show, hosted at the Novotel Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre, spotlighted the city’s long-standing reputation for integrated craftsmanship — where stone-cutting and jewellery manufacturing coexist within the same business ecosystem. For many international buyers, this “one-stop-shop” model remains a key draw.

Still, the atmosphere wasn’t without tension. The recent imposition of U.S. tariffs — ranging between 26% and 27% on Indian jewellery exports — loomed large over business discussions. Exporters expressed concern over the long-term implications for price-sensitive markets like the United States, which has traditionally been a top destination for Indian jewellery.

“Tariffs were the biggest talking point on the floor,” said one Jaipur-based exporter. “We’re now discussing cost-sharing models with our U.S. partners, looking to absorb the blow across the supply chain — from exporters to retailers to end consumers.”

Repeat buyers remained a bright spot, with several exhibitors reporting continued interest and steady orders from long-standing clients. But many acknowledged a pressing need to attract larger retail chain buyers, particularly as global trade routes shift.

In response to the evolving trade landscape, exporters are eyeing alternative markets such as Dubai and Saudi Arabia, regions with strong demand and more favorable trade terms. Industry stakeholders also pointed to the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) as a promising channel for diversifying export destinations.

Despite challenges, the sentiment remained broadly optimistic. The GJEPC announced plans to significantly scale the show in 2026, targeting over 500 global buyers and more than 150 exhibitors, a move intended to elevate the show’s global standing and deepen its influence in the international marketplace.

At its core, IGJS Jaipur 2025 underscored themes of resilience, adaptability, and strategic collaboration — with industry players focused on navigating shifting trade dynamics while continuing to showcase the strength of Indian craftsmanship.