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.

As jewellery consumers become more informed and cautious, retailers are increasingly facing delayed purchase decisions driven by friction in trust, storytelling, pricing clarity, customer engagement, and overall buying experience.

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.

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.

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.

Jos Alukkas inaugurated a new jewellery showroom in Valliyur, Tamil Nadu, on May 2, 2026, strengthening its retail footprint in South India through a high-footfall, transit-linked location strategy.

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.

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.

Jewellery retailers across India face rising dead inventory levels, with 30–40% unsold stock locking capital, driven by changing consumer preferences, rising gold prices, and slower movement of traditional designs.

Gemfields disclosed updated G-Factor metrics on April 9, 2026, for Kagem and Montepuez operations, outlining government revenue contributions amid production disruptions, taxation changes, and market conditions across key gemstone assets.

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.

Gemfields released its audited 2025 Annual Report on March 26, 2026, reporting lower revenue and operational disruptions across emerald and ruby assets, alongside cost reductions and Fabergé divestment.