World Gold Council says India’s increase in gold import duty from 6% to 15% could reduce 2026 jewellery and investment demand by 50-60 tonnes amid weaker sentiment and higher unofficial inflows.

Kalyan Jewellers launched the Gold4India Initiative on May 12 to promote gold recirculation, reduce import dependence by five tonnes, formalise monetization channels, and encourage responsible jewellery consumption in India.

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.

PNG Jewellers on May 13 launched Swarna Swaraj from Pune to promote domestic gold recirculation, lower-karat jewellery adoption and responsible consumption following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal on gold imports.

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.

World Gold Council’s Q1 2026 report shows global gold demand rose 2% year-on-year as record prices reduced jewellery volumes but boosted bar, coin and ETF investment demand worldwide.

Muthoot Exim marks 100 Gold Point centres in India, strengthening organized gold recycling, increasing domestic supply, reducing import dependence, and planning further expansion over the next two years.

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 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.