Surat Diamond Bourse Emerges as Major Global Trade Hub with Rs. 42,636 Crore Customs Turnover

Surat | Gujarat — Known as the world’s diamond cutting capital, Surat has taken another giant leap on the global stage as the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) Customs Office recorded a massive surge in import-export activity during 2025–26, signalling the city’s transformation into a major international trade and customs clearance hub for diamonds and jewellery.

According to official figures released on March 31, SDB handled a total of 5,088 import-export parcels worth ₹42,636 crore (USD 4.8 billion) in its first full operational year — a milestone that industry leaders say marks a new era for the diamond ecosystem.

The data shows 4,160 import parcels totaling 512.75 lakh carats of diamonds worth ₹41,515 crore, while 928 export parcels of natural and lab-grown diamonds and jewellery worth ₹1,121 crore were shipped from the facility. Rough natural diamonds and lab-grown seeds dominated imports, while exports included cut and polished diamonds and diamond-studded jewellery.

December 2025 emerged as the strongest month, recording the highest-ever single-month imports at SDB. During the month alone, 350 parcels of rough diamonds worth ₹4,505 crore were imported, alongside lab-grown diamond seeds worth ₹286 crore.

Officials say this rapid growth has been powered by world-class infrastructure and progressive customs reforms. The SDB Custom House now features a 31,300 sq ft fully air-conditioned facility, advanced diamond and jewellery testing machines, secure vaults and streamlined documentation processes that enable faster clearance.

A major boost has come from simplified policies by the Customs Department, including faster bond issuance, simplified KYC rules and quicker transshipment permits from Mumbai, significantly reducing logistics time and costs.

Industry leaders believe these reforms have made Surat a preferred import-export gateway.

Lalji Patel, Vice-Chairman of Surat Diamond Bourse, said the momentum reflects the confidence of the global diamond trade in Surat’s infrastructure and policy support.

“Due to continuous efforts and government support, SDB is moving rapidly towards becoming a vibrant diamond hub. Most members have already shifted their import-export operations here, and more traders are joining every month,” he said.

Patel also highlighted the success of the first diamond viewing event organised by Dubai-based Star Gems at SDB as a key milestone that boosted international visibility.

Visits by senior officials from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and export promotion agencies during the year further strengthened operational efficiency and industry confidence.

Experts believe the growing customs activity will generate employment, attract international buyers and reduce dependence on Mumbai for trade logistics.