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INDIA-US announcement on reaching a framework for an Interim Agreement

GJEPC hails Interim Agreement framework as a major boost for exports, competitiveness, and India–US trade ties

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Welcoming the India–US announcement on reaching a framework for an Interim Agreement, the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has termed the move a critical breakthrough for the Indian gem and jewellery industry. The proposed zero-duty access for diamonds and coloured gemstones to the US is expected to revive exports, restore global competitiveness, and provide timely relief to the sector after a prolonged period of tariff-led pressure.

“The Indian gem & jewellery industry is elated by the announcement of zero-duty access for diamonds and coloured gemstones to the US under the Interim Agreement framework — a decisive turning point that breathes new life into the sector.

The diamond sector had taken a severe hit over the past year, with India’s cut and polished diamond exports to the US — our largest market — declining by over 60%, from USD 3.64 billion in April–December 2024 to USD 1.45 billion in April–December 2025, as tariffs eroded competitiveness.

Kirit bhansali

Recognising this risk early, GJEPC began focused engagement not only with Government of India but to the stakeholders in USA and across the world. In March 2025, GJEPC formally proposed for the inclusion of cut and polished diamonds and coloured gemstones under Annexure III at the IDMA Presidents’ Meeting in New York. This was followed by coordinated global advocacy through the World Diamond Council in May 2025, alongside representations to key US industry bodies.

Under the announced framework, duties have been reduced to 18% on jewellery, which itself provides meaningful relief to exporters. We are confident that, upon conclusion of the Interim Agreement, diamonds and coloured gemstones will receive full zero-duty treatment as envisaged, restoring competitiveness in our most critical market.

These efforts were actively taken up by the Government of India with the United States. We applaud and sincerely commend the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump & Hon’ble Commerce & Industries Minister Piyush Goyal and the entire government machinery for the remarkable speed and efficiency in reaching this framework within days of the announcement of the deal, a testament to visionary leadership and an unwavering commitment to strengthening India-US trade ties.

The Council has also taken up with the Government of India the need to pursue inclusion of laboratory-grown diamonds and synthetic gemstones under the Annexure III exemption list of US tariffs.”

-Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC

source: GJEPC

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June Marked A Strong Rebound In India’s Gem and Jewellery Exports, Surging 26.51% Year-On-Year On Robust Demand Across Key Products and Global Markets

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India’s gem and jewellery exports recorded a strong recovery in June 2026, with gross exports rising 26.51% year-on-year to US$ 2.21 billion (Rs. 21,010.78 crore) compared to US$ 1.75 billion (Rs. 15,023.07 crore) in June 2025. The robust monthly performance was driven by healthy demand for gold jewellery, cut and polished diamonds, silver jewellery and platinum jewellery, lab-grown diamonds across key international markets.

For the April–June 2026 period, India’s overall gross gem and jewellery exports remained stable at US$ 6.61 billion (Rs. 62,588.61 crore), registering a marginal 0.04% growth in US Dollar terms and a 10.76% increase in Rupee terms over the corresponding period last year, demonstrating the sector’s resilience amid continued global economic uncertainties and elevated precious metal prices.

Commenting on the export performance, Shri Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), said,

“The strong rebound in June exports reflects the resilience of India’s gem and jewellery sector amid an evolving global trade environment. While exports during the April–June quarter remained broadly stable, the sharp recovery in June is an encouraging sign for the months ahead. Continued demand from key markets, market diversification, and the benefits of recently concluded trade agreements such as the India–UK CETA are expected to further strengthen export growth. GJEPC will continue to work closely with the Government and industry stakeholders to enhance India’s global competitiveness and unlock new export opportunities.”

“The strong rebound in jewellery exports in June 2026 was supported by a significant correction in international gold prices. Gold prices declined by 10.28% month-on-month, falling from US$ 4,723.88 per troy ounce in May 2026 to US$ 4,238.32 per troy ounce in June 2026. The decline in bullion prices lowered raw material costs, enabling Indian exporters to offer more competitive prices in global markets. This improved price competitiveness, coupled with stronger demand in key overseas markets, boosted export volumes and strengthened buyer sentiment. Additionally, the successful participation of Indian exporters in major jewellery exhibitions in Kuwait and Sharjah further supported export orders and contributed to the strong recovery in June exports.  However, the problems in availability of gold to exporters continue due to a technical regulatory issue of GST applicability at the import level by the Nominated Agencies notified by RBI. Council is working with the Govt to resolve this issue.”

June 2026: Product-wise Export Performance

  • Gold Jewellery (Plain & Studded) exports surged 54.50% year-on-year to US$ 1,087.74 million (Rs. 10,330.51 crore).
  • Plain Gold Jewellery exports grew 25.34% year-on-year to US$ 453.76 million (Rs. 4,311.43 crore). The growth was driven by strong demand from the UAE, USA, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the UK.
  • Studded Gold Jewellery exports surged 85.35% to US$ 633.97 million (Rs. 6,019.08 crore), with the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the UK emerging as the key export markets.
  • Cut & Polished Diamonds exports increased 8.71% to US$ 846.73 million (Rs. 8,039.30 crore), supported by healthy demand from the UAE, Hong Kong, Belgium, Canada, and the USA.
  • Silver Jewellery exports declined 23.98% to US$ 58.77 million (Rs. 557.52 crore) in June 2026.
  • Platinum Jewellery exports grew 34.77% to US$ 17.44 million (Rs. 165.55 crore), with the USA, UK, UAE, Germany, and Hong Kong being the principal export markets.
  • Polished Lab-Grown Diamonds exports recorded a robust 52.25% growth to US$ 101.35 million (Rs. 961.92 crore), driven by strong demand from Hong Kong, the UAE, Thailand, Canada, and the USA.
  • Coloured Gemstones exports declined 23.63% to US$ 26.26 million (Rs. 249.63 crore).

April–June 2026: Product-wise Export Performance

  • Gold Jewellery (Plain & Studded) exports stood at US$ 2.78 billion (Rs. 26,357.04 crore) during April–June 2026, registering a 2.35% decline compared with US$ 2.85 billion (Rs. 24,372.70 crore) in the corresponding period last year.
  • Plain Gold Jewellery exports declined 23.30% to US$ 1.13 billion (Rs. 10,704.54 crore) during April–June 2026, compared to US$ 1.47 billion (Rs. 12,611.39 crore) in the corresponding period last year.
  • Studded Gold Jewellery exports grew 20.10% to US$ 1.65 billion (Rs. 15,652.50 crore) from US$ 1.38 billion (Rs. 11,761.31 crore) in April–June 2025.
  • Cut & Polished Diamonds exports declined 4.13% to US$ 2.72 billion (Rs. 25,773.90 crore) compared to US$ 2.84 billion (Rs. 24,271.10 crore) in the corresponding period last year.
  • Silver Jewellery exports nearly doubled, rising 97.78% to US$ 431.30 million (Rs. 4,060.27 crore) from US$ 218.07 million (Rs. 1,865.38 crore) in April–June 2025.
  • Platinum Jewellery exports increased 27.66% to US$ 58.67 million (Rs. 554.81 crore) from US$ 45.96 million (Rs. 393.23 crore) during the corresponding period last year.
  • Polished Lab-Grown Diamonds exports increased 14.92% to US$ 296.24 million (Rs. 2,805.39 crore) from US$ 257.77 million (Rs. 2,204.84 crore) during the same period last year.
  • Coloured Gemstones exports declined 15% to US$ 82.25 million (Rs. 778.57 crore) compared to US$ 96.76 million (Rs. 826.93 crore) in April–June 2025.
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