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.

India’s gem and jewellery exports totalled $27.72 billion in FY2025–26, reflecting a structural shift towards diversified markets and value-added segments amid global uncertainties and declining dependence on the US market.

Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery Lab Jaipur has expanded origin determination services to include certification for ruby, emerald and sapphire packet lots and bead strings, strengthening traceability and transparency for gemstone trade.

India’s Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a standard operating procedure governing bank account freezes in cybercrime investigations, offering relief to Surat’s diamond industry after multiple firms faced sudden account suspensions.

Escalating conflict in West Asia has disrupted India’s gem and jewellery trade, halting diamond shipments and logistics through Dubai and threatening exports and rough supply for the country’s $30-billion industry.

The IJ Powerlist 2026 celebrated 30 influential changemakers steering India’s jewellery industry forward. From retail expansion to export leadership, the platform recognized visionaries driving transformation, professionalism, and long-term growth across the organized jewellery ecosystem.

IJ Power List 2026 honours the leaders redefining Indian jewellery retail through governance, innovation, cultural stewardship, and disciplined growth—celebrating visionaries shaping the industry’s future with clarity, credibility, and conviction.

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.

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.

IGI inaugurated its second Jaipur laboratory on January 29, 2026 in Sitapura to expand coloured gemstone testing, improve turnaround times and support manufacturers and exporters across North India.