Key Highlights
- India’s gem and jewellery exports rose 26.51% year-on-year to US$ 2.21 billion in June 2026.
- Gold jewellery exports surged 54.50%, led by strong demand from the UAE, USA, Saudi Arabia and the UK.
- Cut & Polished Diamond exports increased 8.71%.
- Lab-Grown Diamond exports recorded 52.25% growth.
- Platinum jewellery exports rose 34.77%, while silver jewellery exports declined 23.98%.
- Lower international gold prices, stronger global demand and export orders from Kuwait and Sharjah jewellery exhibitions supported the recovery.
- GJEPC expects trade agreements such as the India–UK CETA to further strengthen export growth.
India’s gem and jewellery export sector staged a strong recovery in June 2026, with exports rising 26.51% year-on-year to US$ 2.21 billion, signalling renewed momentum after a challenging global trade environment. The rebound was driven by stronger international demand for gold jewellery, natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds and platinum jewellery, supported by lower gold prices and healthy buying across key export markets.
While the strong monthly performance provided a significant boost to the industry, exports during the April–June 2026 quarter remained broadly stable at US$ 6.61 billion, reflecting the sector’s resilience despite continued global economic uncertainty and elevated precious metal prices.
According to the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), a 10.28% month-on-month decline in international gold prices during June improved the competitiveness of Indian jewellery exporters by reducing raw material costs. Combined with stronger demand from overseas markets and export orders generated through major jewellery exhibitions in Kuwait and Sharjah, the lower bullion prices helped drive the sharp recovery in exports.
Commenting on the export performance, Shri Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), said:
“The strong rebound in June exports reflects the resilience of India’s gem and jewellery sector amid an evolving global trade environment. While exports during the April–June quarter remained broadly stable, the sharp recovery in June is an encouraging sign for the months ahead. Continued demand from key markets, market diversification, and the benefits of recently concluded trade agreements such as the India–UK CETA are expected to further strengthen export growth. GJEPC will continue to work closely with the Government and industry stakeholders to enhance India’s global competitiveness and unlock new export opportunities.”
The Council also noted that exporters continue to face challenges related to the availability of gold because of a technical regulatory issue concerning GST applicability on imports by RBI-notified nominated agencies. GJEPC said it is working with the Government to resolve the issue.
Gold Jewellery Leads the Recovery
Gold jewellery emerged as the strongest performer during June, with combined exports of plain and studded jewellery increasing 54.50% year-on-year to US$ 1.09 billion.
- Plain Gold Jewellery exports increased 25.34%, driven by demand from the UAE, USA, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and the UK.
- Studded Gold Jewellery recorded an impressive 85.35% growth, with the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the UK among the leading export destinations.
Diamonds Continue Positive Momentum
Exports of Cut & Polished Diamonds increased 8.71% to US$ 846.73 million, supported by demand from the UAE, Hong Kong, Belgium, Canada and the USA.
Meanwhile, Polished Lab-Grown Diamonds registered one of the strongest performances of the month, growing 52.25% to US$ 101.35 million, reflecting continued demand across major international markets including Hong Kong, the UAE, Thailand, Canada and the USA.
Platinum Jewellery Performs Strongly
Platinum jewellery exports rose 34.77%, while silver jewellery exports declined 23.98% during the month. Coloured gemstone exports also registered a decline, indicating that the recovery remained concentrated in selected product categories rather than across the entire sector.
Outlook Remains Positive
The June performance suggests improving export sentiment as Indian manufacturers continue to benefit from stronger international demand, easing bullion prices and expanding opportunities created by new trade agreements. However, sustained growth will depend on continued market demand, regulatory support and stable global economic conditions.
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