Connect with us

National News

Trump tariffs bring India GJ exports to standstill; industry hopes for a swift resolution

Published

on

A sudden 26% tariff imposed by the U.S. administration on Indian gems and jewelry has effectively brought exports to a standstill, leaving industry leaders scrambling and buyers hesitant, according to sector representatives. The industry now hopes for a swift resolution through government negotiations within the next three months.

“Starting tomorrow, I don’t see any exports going to the USA,” said Adil Kotwal, Chairman of the SEEPZ Gems and Jewellery Manufacturers’ Association (SGJMA). “Everybody has told us to put all orders on hold. They have told us to manufacture it and keep it ready for them.”

The short-term consequences are expected to be substantial. Approximately 64% of jewelry exports from SEEPZ, amounting to roughly $3.5 billion, are destined for the U.S. market. The tariff hike, escalating from 6% to 26%, has significantly increased upfront duties, placing pressure on exporters’ liquidity. For a million-dollar consignment, duties have surged from $60,000 to $320,000.

U.S. retailers, having recently stocked up for Mother’s Day, are currently refraining from placing new orders. “Retailers in the United States right now have enough stock for the next three months, so they are not in any rush,” Kotwal noted.While bilateral talks continue, industry leaders remain optimistic about a timely resolution. “The government has been in touch with us. And I believe that in the next three months, some resolution should come about,” Kotwal said. He added that the Indian government is advocating for a bilateral trade agreement, and that, while the 26% tariff is deemed unsustainable, a 10% rate would be more acceptable to the sector. “I think around 10%, we’ll all be very comfortable with that.”

Beyond the U.S., exporters are monitoring other key markets. Ray noted that initial optimism following the Hong Kong show in March regarding diamond exports to China has been overshadowed by the new tariff uncertainty. “If you are looking at the two big upper-end diamond markets, they are the US and China. That’s where the focus is,” he explained.

The Middle East, another important market for Indian gold jewelry, faces challenges due to rising gold prices and concerns about crude oil and consumer spending, adding to the sector’s concerns.

The industry is now anticipating a difficult period while awaiting the outcomes of trade discussions. With the U.S. accounting for $10 billion of India’s gems and jewellery exports in FY24, a resolution is deemed crucial for the sector’s long-term health.

Continue Reading
Advertisement JewelBuzz Banner
Click to comment
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted

National News

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

Published

on

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.
Continue Reading

Trending

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.

We would like to hear from you...

GET WHATSAPP NEWS ALERTS

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x