GJEPC Pivots to Saudi Arabia After US Tariffs with SAJEX Expo

Surat | Gujarat — Facing stiff 50% US tariffs, India’s colossal gems and jewellery export sector is strategically shifting its focus to the booming Saudi Arabian market, launching the first-ever Saudi Arabia Jewellery Exposition (SAJEX 2025) this September to cement its presence in the Gulf’s fastest-growing luxury arena.

The move comes as Saudi Arabia, the Gulf’s largest economy with a GDP of USD 1.1 trillion, experiences explosive demand for fine jewellery. Projections show the Kingdom’s jewellery market nearly doubling from USD 4.56 billion in 2024 to a staggering USD 8.34 billion by 2030, driven by a burgeoning appetite for 18K and 21K plain gold, diamond-studded pieces, and premium, design-led products.

“SAJEX 2025 goes beyond being an exhibition — it reflects the strengthening ties between India and Saudi Arabia,” stated Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, Consul General of India in Jeddah. “Combining India’s rich tradition of jewellery craftsmanship with Saudi Arabia’s expanding role in the global luxury market, this event creates a unique platform for industry players to connect, collaborate, and grow together.”

Hosted by the apex Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) at the Jeddah Superdome from September 11-13, SAJEX 2025 positions itself as “The World Gem & Jewellery Fair”. It expects to draw over 2,000 trade buyers and feature more than 200 exhibitors from India, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Hong Kong, and Lebanon spread across 250 booths. The spectrum encompasses diamonds, coloured gems, gold jewellery (18kt, 21kt, 22kt), platinum, lab-grown diamonds, prêt and bridal collections, gifting lines, and jewellery technology.

“The jewellery market in Saudi Arabia is expanding at a remarkable pace,” emphasized Kirit Bhansali, Chairman of GJEPC. “As Saudi Arabia is fast emerging as a key player in the global luxury landscape, SAJEX represents a significant step towards deepening India-Saudi collaboration, creating new opportunities for trade, innovation, and industry leadership.”

A cornerstone event is the World Jewellery Investment Forum on September 11, jointly hosted by GJEPC and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment (MISA). It will convene government leaders, global brands, investors, and industry experts to explore investment opportunities across the jewellery value chain, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s evolution as a regional trade and investment hub.

With exports of USD 28.7 billion in FY 2024-25, India remains the world’s leading gems and jewellery supplier. SAJEX is GJEPC’s ambitious bid to establish a dedicated B2B platform in Saudi Arabia, fostering bilateral trade, cultural exchange, and positioning Indian craftsmanship at the heart of the Kingdom’s luxury boom, effectively countering the losses imposed by US trade barriers.