India's gem and jewellery exporters have welcomed a limited reprieve after the United States kept the additional tariff on Indian shipments at 10% under its Section 301 framework. For the industry, that creates a relative advantage over some competing suppliers that face steeper barriers in the US market.
Even so, exporters say the relief is only partial. When the extra US tariff is added to existing duties, the total burden on some Indian gem and jewellery shipments can rise to around 16%, keeping pressure on prices, margins and overseas orders.
That means the sector still faces a difficult export environment despite the temporary competitive edge. Higher overall duties can make Indian products less attractive in a market where buyers are highly sensitive to cost, especially for categories that depend on steady demand and thin profit spreads.
The industry response reflects a mixed outlook: relief that Indian shipments were not hit harder, but concern that elevated total duties will continue to weigh on exports. For jewellers and exporters, the immediate shock may have eased, yet the broader tariff pain is far from over.
