International News
Zambia Lifts 15% Export Duty on Precious Gemstones
Gemfields Group Limited has expressed strong support for the Zambian government’s decision to suspend the 15% export duty on precious gemstones and metals, a move expected to significantly boost the country’s emerald industry. The suspension, announced by Zambia’s Minister of Finance, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, is effective immediately, meaning the duty will no longer apply to emeralds mined by Kagem Mining Limited. The company is majority-owned by Gemfields (75%) with the remaining 25% held by Zambia’s Industrial Development Corporation.
Gemfields CEO, Sean Gilbertson, lauded the government’s swift action, stating, “We express our sincere thanks to President Hakainde Hichilema’s government for their prompt and impressive action in addressing the 15% export duty on precious gemstones. The Zambian emerald sector has experienced exceptional growth over the past 16 years and is now the world’s largest emerald exporter. This decision signals a clear commitment to fostering growth and job creation in Zambia, putting our industry back on track for continued success.”
International News
Precious Metals Under Pressure: Diplomatic Shifts, Geopolitical Risk, and Central Bank Outlook AUGMONT BULLION REPORT
- Safe-Haven Dynamics – Gold is trading below $4650 as investors evaluate ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the US–Iran conflict. The crisis has caused a significant energy supply disruption and heightened inflation concerns. Iran has proposed halting its operations in the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for a complete ceasefire and removal of the US blockade on Iranian ports.
- Geopolitical Developments – Tehran has submitted a new proposal to Washington via Pakistani intermediaries, offering to reopen the Strait of Hormuz conditional on the US lifting its blockade, while postponing discussions on its nuclear program. Washington remains skeptical and is likely to respond with counter-proposals in the near term. Iran’s nuclear ambitions remain the central point of disagreement between the two sides.
- Macro-economic Signals – Markets are also focused on upcoming monetary policy decisions by the Fed, ECB, and BOJ this week. Persistent energy price inflation, driven by Middle East tensions, has strengthened expectations that central banks may maintain or further raise interest rates. This monetary tightening outlook is exerting downward pressure on gold prices.
Technical Triggers
- Gold has broken the important support of $4650 (~ Rs 151,000), the next target is $4550 (~ Rs 147,500).
- Silver is on the verge of breaking $73 (~ Rs 235,000). If prices sustain below this level, the next target is $70 (~ Rs 225,000).
Support and Resistance
| International Gold Support Level International Gold Resistance Level Domestic Gold Support Level Domestic Gold Resistance Level | : $4550/oz : $4850/oz : Rs 147,500/10 gm : Rs 155,000/10 gm |
| International Silver Support Level International Silver Resistance Level Domestic Silver Support Level Domestic Silver Resistance Level | : $70/oz : $77/oz : Rs 225,000/kg : Rs 245,000/kg |
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