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.

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.

Following the announcement of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, GJEPC Chairman Kirit Bhansali outlined its expected impact on exports, employment and market diversification for India’s gem and jewellery sector.

Ahead of the 27 January 2026 India-EU Summit in New Delhi, GJEPC has urged the Government of India to secure duty-free EU access for jewellery to expand exports and double bilateral trade.

De Beers Group introduced its ‘Heera Hai Aapke Liye’ program at IIJS Bharat Signature to strengthen natural diamond demand in India by enabling retailers through the INDRA alliance and expanding structured access nationwide.

India’s gem and jewellery exports to the US declined sharply in April–December 2025 amid tariff pressures, while growth in UAE, Hong Kong and FTA markets kept overall exports largely stable.

India adopts IS 19469:2025 on January 15, 2026, reserving the term “diamond” exclusively for natural diamonds, mandating clear disclosure for laboratory-grown diamonds to address consumer confusion and standardize trade practices.

IIJS Bharat – Signature 2026 concluded in Mumbai on January 15, recording an estimated ?75,000 crore in business, driven by strong domestic buying, international participation, and focused sourcing across categories.

GJEPC submitted pre-Budget recommendations to the Finance Ministry in Mumbai on January 14, 2026, seeking duty rationalization, tax reforms and SEZ flexibility to support exports amid global trade pressures.

GJEPC launched JewelStart on January 12, 2026, in Mumbai at IIJS Bharat Signature to create a structured incubation and acceleration platform supporting innovation, startups, and MSMEs across the gem and jewellery value chain.

GIA plays a key role in establishing authenticity and trust in jewellery retail — it brings credibility, transparency, and confidence to the entire ecosystem, Amit Pratihari, MD, GIA India, tells Khursheed Mistry.