The ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict is disrupting diamond trade flows, impacting key hubs, delaying shipments, and pressuring logistics; however, the industry is hopeful of things returning to normal once the geopolitical tensions ease, finds out Dhwani Rathod.

India’s gem and jewellery exports increased 3.86% year-on-year to $ 2,680.79 million in February 2026, according to GJEPC, supported by growth in silver and platinum jewellery shipments.

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.

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/

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.

In order to meet the challenges of the diamond industry head on, De Beers has devised a multi-pronged strategy – the major steps include upping investment in marketing, participating in the Luanda Accord, developing a range of category campaigns, collaborating with key retail partners to grow demand, and investing in branded marketing programmes for its own retail businesses, says David Johnson, VP, Global External Communications, De Beers Group, in a conversation with Suneeta Kaul.

Ahead of the Union Budget 2026–27, leading jewellery retailers, manufacturers and industry bodies outline expectations on GST, import duties, exports, digital gold regulation, working capital, and policy reforms to strengthen growth.

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.

India–Oman CEPA abolishes duty on Indian gems and jewellery in Oman from December 2026, with GJEPC projecting exports rising from $ 35 million to $ 150 million within three years.

The recent imposition of steep tariffs by the Trump administration on diamonds imported from India has sent ripples across the US diamond jewellery sector. India being the primary supplier of polished diamonds to America, the world’s largest consumer market, the tariffs have caused supply chain disruptions, and are likely to lead to rising product costs. Prices are expected to go up, once the existing inventory depletes, unless a deal is reached between the US and India. Suneeta Kaul speaks with Paul Zimnisky, renowned diamond industry analyst, to gain insights into the fallout of the tariffs, and how they are reshaping buying behaviour and pricing strategies in the US.

The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council presented key policy proposals to the Government seeking tax reforms, industry incentives, and regulatory ease to strengthen India’s leadership in diamonds, gold, coloured gemstones, and lab-grown diamonds.

The India-UK CETA is going to boost exports, create new jobs in the jewellery sector, and reinforce India’s position as a global leader in jewellery craftsmanship and trade, says Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, in a conversation with Suneeta Kaul.