India’s gems and jewellery sector witnessed a major rise in trade activity in November 2025. According to data from the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), exports surged nearly 20% year-on-year, driven by strong demand from key markets such as the US, UAE, and Hong Kong. Imports also saw a sharp 36% jump, indicating frontloaded demand by domestic manufacturers ahead of the wedding and festive season.
The total gem and jewellery exports stood at around USD 3.8 billion in November 2025, up from USD 3.17 billion in the same month last year. The rise was largely supported by cut and polished diamonds, gold jewellery, and lab-grown diamonds, which continued to gain popularity globally due to affordability and sustainability factors.
On the other hand, imports increased to about USD 2.6 billion, led by higher shipments of rough diamonds and gold. Experts suggest the frontloading of imports reflects jewellers’ expectations of strong retail sales in the coming quarter. India remains one of the largest cutting and polishing centres for diamonds, contributing to over 90% of the world’s processed diamonds.
Industry bodies say the positive momentum may continue if global retail demand remains stable, particularly during the Christmas and New Year period. However, challenges such as fluctuating gold prices and currency volatility could slightly impact margins.
The government’s export promotion policies and free trade agreements have also played a key role in boosting the sector’s outbound shipments this year.
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
1. What caused the rise in gems and jewellery exports in November 2025?
The export increase of nearly 20% was driven by festive and wedding season demand, strong international orders from the US and UAE, and higher global interest in gold and lab-grown diamond jewellery.
2. Why did jewellery imports grow 36% during the same period?
Imports rose due to frontloaded demand from manufacturers and retailers who stocked up raw materials like gold and rough diamonds in anticipation of a busy wedding and festive sales season.
3. What is India’s role in the global diamond market?
India is the world’s leading diamond cutting and polishing hub, processing over 90% of global diamonds. The country exports finished diamonds to major markets such as the US, Europe, and the Middle East.