International News
US Watch and jewelry sales remain steady in March, overall increase of 0.4 percent
US Watch and jewelry sales remained steady in March, with a slight overall increase of 0.4 per cent, according to the latest US Department of Commerce figures. Jewelry sales rose slightly, while
Watch and jewelry sales in the US remained steady in March, with a slight overall increase of 0.4 per cent, according to the latest US Department of Commerce figures. Jewelry sales rose slightly, while watch sales dipped, as consumers opted for higher-priced items, but bought fewer of them.
In February overall sales increased by just 0.2 per cent and in January they fell by 1.0 per cent
The US government’s BEA (Bureau of Economic Analysis) reported a 0.7 per cent increase in consumer spending in March, the biggest increase for two years, but said it was largely driven by a rush to buy cars before US reciprocal tariffs forced prices up.
Watch and jewelry sales have been characterized by very modest increases in recent months, following on from a year of sustained growth – 10 per cent or more in some months – as shown below.
Reciprocal US tariffs – announced in April, then paused until July – will almost certainly hit sales, as producers forced to either absorb the costs or pass them on to consumers.
International News
GJEPC Auckland Visit Targets Growth In India-NZ Jewellery Trade
The Opportunity In New Zealand Is Significant Relative To The Current Level Of Jewellery Trade. India’s Gem and Jewellery Exports To New Zealand Rose 50.56% To US$25.46 Million In FY2025-26, From US$16.91 Million In FY2024-25.
The GJEPC trade delegation’s Auckland programme has highlighted the scope for expanding India’s gem and jewellery exports to New Zealand as the two countries move towards implementing their recently concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The Auckland visit was part of GJEPC’s Australia and New Zealand trade delegation, held from 20-26 August 2026, with the delegation focused on connecting Indian manufacturers and exporters with buyers and industry stakeholders across the two markets.
The opportunity in New Zealand is significant relative to the current level of jewellery trade. India’s gem and jewellery exports to New Zealand rose 50.56% to US$25.46 million in FY2025-26, from US$16.91 million in FY2024-25.
The recently concluded India-New Zealand FTA is expected to create further opportunities for Indian exporters. New Zealand has committed to duty-free access for Indian exports across 100% of its tariff lines once the agreement enters into force.
On 26th August, Vijay Mangukiya, Convener – International Events, GJEPC and leader of the delegation, met Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi, Consul General of India in Auckland. Mangukiya has said the delegation was aimed at bringing Indian manufacturers and exporters closer to buyers and industry stakeholders in both Australia and New Zealand, with the objective of identifying new business opportunities and developing long-term partnerships.
The delegation’s Auckland market visits covered a broad cross-section of the local jewellery sector, including Michael Hill, Wallace Bishop, Hardy Brothers, Prouds, and Partridge Jewellers. The delegation also observed international luxury and contemporary jewellery brands including Van Cleef & Arpels, Roberto Coin, Messika and FOPE, reflecting the competitive environment in which Indian exporters would be seeking to establish or expand relationships.
India’s exports of individual jewellery categories to New Zealand also recorded strong growth in FY2025-26. Gold jewellery exports rose 84% to US$17.47 million, while silver jewellery exports doubled to US$0.91 million. Lab-grown diamond exports rose 2% to US$0.63 million, and imitation jewellery increased 13.16% to US$0.43 million. Cut and polished diamond exports were US$5.76 million.
The figures underline the growing contribution of finished jewellery to India’s New Zealand business. With the FTA expected to improve market access and the Auckland market showing demand across gold, diamonds, coloured stones, pearls and branded jewellery, GJEPC’s delegation is seeking to convert this existing growth into deeper commercial relationships.
-
National News2 hours agoMMTC-PAMP Appoints Sidharth Malhotra As Brand Ambassador
-
International News2 hours agoGJEPC Auckland Visit Targets Growth In India-NZ Jewellery Trade
-
National News1 day agoWAMIQA GABBI Appointed First National Brand Ambassador Of EVERLITE BY SENCO
-
National News23 hours agoEyora Jewels Debuts With Natural Diamond Solitaire Jewellery Designed For Everyday Luxury
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.