US tariffs bring Indian jewellery exports to a halt, industry hopes for resolution within 3 months
Indian gems and jewellery exports to the United States have come to a sudden halt following the imposition of 26% tariffs by the US administration. Industry leaders say the shock move has left exporters scrambling and buyers unwilling to commit, but they are hopeful that an agreement between the two governments can be reached within the next three months.
"Starting tomorrow, I don’t see any exports
going to the USA," said Adil Kotwal, Chairman of the SEEPZ Gems and
Jewellery Manufacturers’ Association (SGJMA). "Everybody has told us to
put all orders on hold. They
have told us to manufacture it and keep it ready for them."
Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director of the Gem and
Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), echoed the sentiment, calling the
current situation a "standstill." “Gems and jewellery are not
essential commodities, and they are also very high-value goods. So, a 26% duty
on a million-dollar shipment will not work,” he said.
Source: https://www.cnbctv18.com/