As India raises gold import duty from 6% to 15% amid economic pressure and a weakening rupee, the jewellery industry is preparing for higher prices, evolving demand, and possible market disruption, discovers Khursheed Mistry.

The All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council inaugurated its Mumbai office on May 14 while urging industry support for revised gold duty measures and proposing a structured Gold Monetization Scheme roadmap.

As India raises gold import duty to 15%, leading jewellery players and trade bodies support gold conservation measures while warning of liquidity pressure, export challenges and rising risks to MSMEs.

The Finance Ministry has increased customs duty across multiple precious metal and jewellery categories, impacting gold, silver, platinum findings and recycled precious metal imports effective from May 13, 2026.

India and New Zealand signed a Free Trade Agreement on April 27, 2026, in New Delhi, enabling zero-duty access for Indian jewellery exports and phased tariff concessions on select imports.

GJEPC says India–New Zealand FTA signed on April 27, 2026 will enable zero-duty access, supporting export growth from $ 16.61 million to $ 50 million within three years.

World Diamond Heritage Board appoints Suresh Hathiramani and Alex Popov to lead WDHL Selection Committee, advancing an industry-wide initiative to document historically significant diamonds and strengthen natural diamond narrative.

Bharat Diamond Bourse organized a Leadership Series session in Mumbai featuring MUBRI President Ali Pastorini and WGC India CEO Sachin Jain, addressing Latin America demand, trade barriers, and domestic market outlook.

India’s gem and jewellery exports totalled $23.19 billion in April–January 2026, down 0.64% year-on-year, as US shipments fell 45%, while a new India–US trade framework restores 18% tariff access.

Following the India–US Interim Agreement framework announcement, GJEPC confirms duty reduction on jewellery to 18% and anticipates zero-duty access for diamonds and coloured gemstones in the US market.

The GJEPC has welcomed the India-U.S, trade agreement announcement, saying the move could ease tariff pressures and provide much-needed relief to India's gem and jewellery exporters/

The EU-India FTA offers a significant boost to India’s gems and jewellery industry through reduced tariffs, easier market access, and improved competitiveness in Europe. The pact is expected to accelerate exports, attract investment, strengthen manufacturing, and reinforce India’s position as a trusted global sourcing hub for premium jewellery, says Suneeta Kaul.

Union Budget 2026-27 makes a strong push for MSMEs, with a Rs 10,000-crore SME Growth Fund; besides, it enables faster payments via mandatory TReDS for CPSE purchases. Overall, the Budget emphasizes fiscal prudence, infrastructure creation, and ease of doing business. For a sector navigating global uncertainty, shifting consumer preferences, and rising compliance standards, it is stability that the enabler.

GJEPC has responded to the India–EU Free Trade Agreement, stating that zero-duty access for jewellery will support exports, improve competitiveness and help double bilateral gem and jewellery trade within three years.