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.”
Safe Haven Dynamics – Gold and silver remain under pressure, hovering below key psychological levels of $5000 and $80 respectively, as investors stay cautious ahead of the Federal Reserve decision. Volatility in oil prices is complicating the inflation outlook, keeping real yields elevated and limiting upside in precious metals despite ongoing geopolitical risks.
Geopolitical Developments – Escalation in the US–Israel–Iran conflict, including strikes on energy infrastructure and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, has intensified supply concerns in oil markets. While such tensions typically support safe-haven demand, the inflationary impact of rising energy prices is delaying expectations of monetary easing, creating mixed signals for gold and silver.
Monetary Policy Stance – The Fed is expected to maintain a pause, reinforcing a “wait-and-watch” approach amid sticky inflation and a softening labor market. Similar policy stances by ECB, BoE, and BoJ indicate a synchronized global pause. The key trigger for metals will be forward guidance—any dovish tilt could revive bullish momentum.
Technical Triggers
Gold briefly broke the key $5000 (~Rs.157,000) support and short-term bias remains bearish, with strong support seen around $4850 (~Rs.150,000).
Silver has also slipped below $80 (~Rs.255,000), and a renewed break below $77 (~Rs.247,000) could trigger further profit-booking, dragging prices towards $70 (~₹230,000) in the near term.
Support and Resistance
| Metal | Market | Support Level | Resistance Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | International | $4850/oz | $5250/oz |
| Gold | Domestic | ₹158,500/10 gm | ₹165,000/10 gm |
| Silver | International | $77/oz | $85/oz |
| Silver | Domestic | ₹247,000/kg | ₹268,000/kg |
Source : AUGMONT BULLION REPORT
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