India’s polished diamond exports fell sharply by 16.8% in the fiscal year ending March 2025, totaling $13.29 billion, according to data released by the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). This marks one of the weakest annual performances for the sector in the last two decades, although not the lowest on record—as has been mistakenly reported in some outlets. The lowest figure in recent history remains $12.3 billion in 2005, following $10.3 billion in 2004. In comparison, polished diamond exports for FY2023–24 stood at $15.97 billion.

The broader gem and jewellery export sector also saw a significant downturn. Total exports for FY2024–25 declined by 11.7% to $28.5 billion, the lowest level in four years. Industry leaders have attributed the slump to multiple global challenges, including softening demand in India’s primary export markets—the United States and China—amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.

However, recent monthly data suggests the downturn may be stabilizing. Polished diamond exports in March 2025 registered a marginal year-on-year dip of just 0.76%, amounting to $1.16 billion. Meanwhile, total gem and jewellery exports for the month posted a modest 1% growth, reaching $2.58 billion. These signs of resilience have sparked cautious optimism that the sector may be on the path to recovery.