December 2025 alone saw a sharp contraction of 50.44% in exports to the US, but strong growth in UAE and Hong Kong offset the pressure
Mumbai: India’s gem and jewellery exports to the United States witnessed a sharp contraction during April-December 2025, declining 44.42% year-on-year to $ 3.86 billion, compared to $ 6.95 billion in the corresponding period last year. In December 2025, exports to the US declined by 50.44% year-on-year, reflecting the continued impact of tariff-related pressures and subdued discretionary demand.
Commenting on the sharp decline, Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “The United States remains India’s largest export destination, accounting for nearly 30% of our gem and jewellery exports. The sharp decline in shipments is a matter of serious concern. Prolonged uncertainty around tariffs could adversely impact the long-term viability of the US market for Indian jewellery exporters. That said, we have full faith in the Government of India and remain hopeful that ongoing bilateral trade discussions will lead to a positive and timely resolution.”
Despite the sharp contraction in the US market, India’s overall gem and jewellery exports remained stable during April-December 2025, underscoring the industry’s resilience. Provisional exports for the nine-month period aggregated $ 20.75 billion, reflecting a marginal dip of 0.41% year-on-year, while registering a 3.69% growth in rupee terms, supported by currency movement and steady trade flows.
The near-flat performance highlights market stabilization, with strong growth in jewellery exports—particularly gold, silver and platinum jewellery—offsetting moderation in cut and polished diamonds and lab-grown diamonds. This trend reflects the industry’s ability to adapt through product mix optimization, value addition, and diversified export destinations.
A key stabilizing factor has been the industry’s ability to leverage Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and deepen its presence in alternative markets. Exports to the United Arab Emirates rose 28.08% year-on-year to $ 6.89 billion, while shipments to Hong Kong increased 28.19% to $ 4.25 billion. Exports to Australia also recorded strong growth, rising 39.83% to $ 277.76 million, underscoring the growing importance of diversified and FTA-supported markets. These gains helped cushion the impact of weaker demand in select developed markets.
Highlighting the role of trade agreements, Bhansali said,“Free Trade Agreements with the UAE and Australia have come at a crucial time for the industry. Recent FTAs with the UK, Oman, New Zealand and others will further enhance competitiveness by reducing duties and easing trade barriers. With the Government of India currently negotiating multiple trade agreements, we are confident these will open new markets and strengthen India’s position globally on quality, value and trust.”
As a result, the Indian gem and jewellery industry today is no longer dependent on a few traditional markets. Market diversification has emerged as one of the most important structural shifts for the sector. Exporters are steadily expanding their footprint across West Asia, Asia-Pacific, Australia, Latin America and other emerging regions, building a more balanced and future-ready export base.
Commenting on the rising gold prices, Bhansali said, “During April- December 2025, plain gold jewellery exports recorded a value growth of 7.72% to $ 3816.97 million. It is important to note that this increase was largely value-led, as gold bar prices rose by 52% compared to the same period last year, resulting in higher export realizations even though export volumes moderated.”
Some key developments during April-December 2025:
Cut and polished diamond exports during April–December 2025 stood at $8.99 billion, registering a 7.85% year-on-year decline, largely due to tariff-related pressures and reduced demand from the United States. Total gold jewellery exports, including plain and studded jewellery, grew 7.28% year-on-year to $8.67 billion during the period. Within this, plain gold jewellery exports increased 7.72% in value, while studded gold jewellery exports rose 6.93%.
Silver jewellery exports surged 44.36% to $1.11 billion, while platinum jewellery exports jumped 49.16% to $195.65 million, aided by rising acceptance in niche markets. Polished lab-grown diamond exports declined 10.28% year-on-year in value to $840.14 million. Coloured gemstone exports during the period stood at $294.52 million, marginally lower by 3.16% year-on-year.
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), set up by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India (GoI) in 1966, is the apex body of the gems & jewellery industry and today represents 10700+ members in the sector.
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