Mumbai: India’s gem and jewellery (G&J) exports rebounded sharply in June 2026, with gross exports rising 26.51% year-on-year to US$2.21 billion (Rs. 21,010.78 crore), signalling a recovery in overseas demand after a subdued start to the financial year.
Despite the strong monthly performance, exports for the April-June quarter remained largely unchanged at US$6.61 billion (Rs. 62,588.61 crore), up just 0.04% in dollar terms from a year earlier, reflecting the mixed trading environment faced by exporters.
The June recovery was led by gold jewellery, cut and polished diamonds, and lab-grown diamonds. Total gold jewellery exports surged 54.5% year-on-year to US$1.09 billion, driven by an 85.35% jump in studded gold jewellery exports and a 25.34% rise in plain gold jewellery shipments. Cut and polished diamond exports grew 8.71% to US$846.73 million, while polished lab-grown diamond exports climbed 52.25% to US$101.35 million.
For the April-June period, however, the picture remained mixed. Cut and polished diamond exports declined 4.13% to US$2.72 billion, while plain gold jewellery exports fell 23.3%. Offsetting some of the weakness were 20.1% growth in studded gold jewellery exports, a 97.78% surge in silver jewellery exports, 27.66% growth in platinum jewellery exports, and a 14.92% increase in polished lab-grown diamond exports. Coloured gemstone exports declined 15% during the quarter.
Commenting on the export performance, Mr. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, 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 June recovery was supported by a correction in international gold prices, which reduced raw material costs and improved the price competitiveness of Indian jewellery exporters. International gold prices fell 10.28% month-on-month, helping stimulate overseas demand. Stronger buying from key export markets, coupled with orders generated through major jewellery exhibitions in Kuwait and Sharjah, also contributed to the rebound.
