Despite a sharp contraction in shipments to the United States, India’s gems and jewellery exports show resilience, supported by strong growth in the UAE, Hong Kong and emerging global markets.

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.

De Beers presented “Voyage Through the Diamond Realm” at India Art Fair 2026 in New Delhi on 6 February, collaborating with Lakshmi Madhavan to explore diamonds’ geological origins and material heritage.

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.

India’s Economic Survey FY25–26 outlines how the gems and jewellery sector shaped exports, gold imports, inflation and lending, highlighting diversification gains and rising macro pressures for policymakers and industry.

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.

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.

DITP and GIT announced the 73rd Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair, to be held February 22–26, 2026 in Bangkok, with expanded exhibition space and trade value projected to exceed $ 150 million.

iAMORY has launched an Android and iOS app to strengthen its direct-to-consumer jewellery business in India, addressing discovery, trust and pricing transparency as digital channels reshape jewellery retail.

In spite of an 8.76% dip in cut and polished diamond exports during April-November 2025, GJEPC remains optimistic about India’s export performance in 2026. The Council is looking forward to the BTA with the US, and should that take longer than expected, it will take all necessary measures in coordination with the government and stakeholders to support exports, and ensure continued growth, says Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC, in a conversation with Suneeta Kaul.

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.

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.