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India, UK sign historic free trade agreement FTA; gems and jewellery, leather, textiles sectors stand to gain

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The United Kingdom and India signed a historic free trade agreement (FTA), boosting bilateral trade by around $34 billion annually. The FTA, signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK, includes tariff cuts, improved mobility for professionals, and market access guarantees that together mark one of India’s most comprehensive trade pacts.

The FTA offers duty-free access to the UK’s $23 billion market, giving Indian MSMEs a strong advantage over other countries in labour-intensive sectors such as gems and jewellery, leather and footwear, textiles. India’s gems and jewellery exports to the UK are currently valued at $941 million, with jewellery alone accounting for $400 million. With the UK importing $3 billion worth of jewellery annually, India’s exports are expected to double in 2–3 years.

The deal took three years to reach and also commits to a new India-UK plan to tackle illegal migration.Opponents had warned the deal could undercut British workers due to extended social security terms, but UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said this was “completely wrong” and Indian workers on temporary secondment to the UK would get the same deal already offered to many other countries.

The trade deal is expected to ensure comprehensive market access for Indian goods across all sectors and India will gain from tariff elimination on about 99 per cent of tariff lines (product categories) covering almost 100 per cent of the trade values, the officials said.

After signing the landmark deal, the two prime ministers are also expected to unveil an “UK-India Vision 2035” to take their partnership to new heights in a time of rapid global change.

The UK said Indian consumers will benefit from improved access to the best British products — from soft drinks and cosmetics to cars and medical devices — as average tariffs will drop from 15 per cent to 3 per cent after the FTA kicks in.

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International News

Gold continues upward march;Bank of America forecasts  $5,000/oz for 2026

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Gold prices in India saw a modest rise on Wednesday today Oct 15, mirroring an uptick in international markets as renewed US-China trade tensions and expectations of further US interest rate cuts bolstered demand for safe-haven assets.24k gold traded at Rs.1,28,360/10gm after gaining ₹10 in early trade, while silver prices increased by Rs.100 to Rs.1,89,100 per kilogram.

Gold prices surged to a record high of $4,179.48 per ounce on October 14, 2025.  Investors flocked to safe-haven metals amid trade tensions and Fed rate-cut expectations. U.S. December gold futures jumped 57% year-to-date.  Bank of America raised its 2026 gold forecast to $5,000 per ounce, warning of possible near-term corrections.

Gold prices soared to an unprecedented $4,179.48 per ounce on October 14, 2025, marking a historic milestone for the yellow metal. The rally comes as investors worldwide seek safety in hard assets amid a turbulent global economic backdrop marked by escalating trade tensions, slowing growth, and expectations of further interest rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve.

The sharp surge in bullion prices has been driven by a combination of macroeconomic uncertainty and aggressive monetary easing. As inflation pressures remain sticky and central banks pivot toward dovish policies, gold has reasserted its role as a hedge against both currency debasement and market volatility.

In futures trading, U.S. December gold contracts have skyrocketed nearly 57% so far this year, underscoring the strength of investor demand across both institutional and retail segments. Analysts note that central bank buying—particularly from emerging markets—has added further momentum to the rally, with several countries diversifying reserves away from the U.S. dollar.

Reflecting this bullish sentiment, Bank of America has raised its 2026 gold price forecast to $5,000 per ounce, citing continued monetary easing, geopolitical instability, and robust central bank accumulation. However, the bank also cautioned that short-term corrections are likely, given the rapid pace of the recent run-up and potential bouts of profit-taking.

Overall, gold’s meteoric rise underscores a broader shift toward safe-haven assets, as investors navigate a world increasingly defined by economic fragmentation, shifting interest rate cycles, and persistent geopolitical risks.

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JewelBuzz is Asia’s First Digital Jewellery Media & India’s No.1 B2B Jewellery Magazine, published by AM Media House. Since 2016, we’ve been the trusted source for jewellery news, market trends, trade insights, exhibitions, podcasts, and brand stories, connecting jewellers, retailers, and industry professionals worldwide.

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