India’s Gem & Jewellery Exports Show Strong Recovery in FY2025–26, Rise 3.66% to $14.09 Billion
Festive demand, resilient craftsmanship, and growing exports to UAE and Europe drive India’s jewellery export growth despite challenges in the US market.
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Mumbai | Maharashtra — India’s gem and jewellery exports recorded a steady recovery in the first half of FY2025–26, reflecting the sector’s resilience amid global volatility. Between April and September 2025, exports grew 3.66% to US$ 14.09 billion, up from US$ 13.60 billion during the same period last year.
In September 2025 alone, overall exports surged 6.55% to US$ 2.91 billion, signalling renewed demand in major international markets ahead of the festive and wedding season.
GJEPC Chairman: Industry Shows Encouraging Signs of Recovery
Commenting on the performance, Kirit Bhansali, Chairman of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), said,“The first half of this financial year reflects encouraging signs of recovery. Demand has strengthened in key markets like the UAE, Hong Kong, and the UK. With the festive and wedding season among the Indian diaspora and global holiday demand, we expect momentum to continue.”
However, exports to the United States, a key market, fell 40.28% to US$ 2.77 billion, with cut and polished diamond exports dropping 53.62%. Bhansali emphasized that GJEPC is working closely with the Government of India to seek tariff relief and liquidity support for affected exporters and MSMEs.
Gold Jewellery Exports Drive Growth
The biggest growth driver was gold jewellery exports, which rose 21.97% to US$ 5.79 billion.
Plain gold jewellery exports surged 46.74% to US$ 2.80 billion.
Studded gold jewellery climbed 5.35% to US$ 3.00 billion.
Exports to the UAE jumped 61.37% to US$ 3.19 billion, reaffirming its position as India’s top destination. Exports to the UK rose 17.01%, while shipments to Saudi Arabia soared 124.10%, underscoring the rising global preference for Indian craftsmanship.
The average gold price during this period was up nearly 36% year-on-year, boosting export value.
Diamonds and Other Gem Exports Show Mixed Trends
Exports of cut and polished diamonds fell 9.57% to US$ 6.25 billion, but September data showed a 5.91% monthly rebound. Exports to Hong Kong rose 18.08%, while shipments to the UAE increased 65.23%, reflecting Dubai’s expanding role as a global diamond hub.
Meanwhile, lab-grown diamond exports declined 7.99% to US$ 586.63 million, mirroring global inventory corrections. Silver jewellery exports rose 17.43% to US$ 596.41 million, and platinum jewellery exports jumped 25.37%, indicating diversified global demand.
Outlook: Festive and Wedding Demand to Sustain Growth
Bhansali expressed optimism about the coming months, noting that global retail markets are entering their busiest quarter.
“India’s reputation as a reliable sourcing destination, backed by scale and craftsmanship, continues to strengthen international confidence,” he said.
With improving sentiment in the Middle East and Europe, India’s gem and jewellery exports are poised for a robust finish to FY2025–26, powered by festive and wedding season sales worldwide.
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