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 US$ 3.86 billion, compared to US$ 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, said a media release by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) on Friday.
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 US$ 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 stabilisation, with growth in jewellery exports—particularly gold, silver and platinum jewellery—offsetting moderation in cut and polished diamonds and lab-grown diamonds.
A key stabilising 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 US$ 6.89 billion, while shipments to Hong Kong increased 28.19% to US$ 4.25 billion. Exports to Australia also recorded strong growth, rising 39.83% to US$ 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.
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.”
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, the GJEPC chairman said, “During April- December 2025, plain gold jewellery exports recorded a value growth of 7.72% to US$ 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 realisations even though export volumes moderated.”
Cut and polished diamond exports during April–December 2025 stood at US$ 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 US$ 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 US$ 1.11 billion, while platinum jewellery exports jumped 49.16% to US$ 195.65 million, aided by rising acceptance in niche markets. Polished lab-grown diamond exports declined 10.28% year-on-year in value to US$ 840.14 million. And coloured gemstone exports during the period stood at US$ 294.52 million, marginally lower by 3.16% year-on-year.
