Gems and Jewellery Industry in India

Introduction

As of January 2021, India’s gold and diamond trade contributed ~7.5% to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 14% to India’s total merchandise exports. The gem and jewellery sector is likely to employ ~8.23 million persons by 2022, from ~5 million in 2020.

Based on its potential for growth and value addition, the Government declared gems and jewellery sector as a focus area for export promotion. The Government has undertaken various measures recently to promote investment and upgrade technology and skills to promote ‘Brand India’ in the international market.

The Government has permitted 100% FDI in the sector under the automatic route, wherein the foreign investor or the Indian company do not require any prior approval from the Reserve Bank or Government of India.

Market size

In FY21*, exports of gems & jewellery stood at US$ 16.88 billion. In December 2020, exports of gems and jewellery stood at US$ 2.57 billion. In September 2020, the US was the largest country (at 44%) to import gems and jewellery (US$ 938.54 million) from India, followed by Hong Kong (~33%) and the UAE (~13%).

In FY21*, imports of gems & jewellery (pearls, precious & Semi-precious stones) is estimated at US$ 11.74 billion. Imports of gold recorded US$ 16.78 billion from April 2020 to December 2020. 

Investments/Developments

Cumulative FDI inflows in diamond and gold ornaments in India stood at US$ 1,183.07 million between April 2000 and September 2020 according to Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

Some of the key development in this industry are listed below:

• In February 2021, Reliance expanded its e-commerce arm, JioMart, to jewellery with silver coins of 5gm and10 gm, and gold coins of 1gm, 5gm and 10gm.
  • Reliance's in-house jewellery brand, Reliance Jewels, which has ~93 flagship showrooms and 110 shop-in-shops in 105 cities in the country, will fulfil the orders for the new segment.
• In November 2020, Platinum Guild International (PGI) launched their new 'Men of Platinum’ collection for men in leading retail stores across India.
• Jewellery players in India are re-evaluating the brick-and-mortar business model and planning to implement omni-channel approach with focus on digital strategy to boost sales.
• According to the ‘Online Gold Market in India’ report by The World Gold Council, the online gold market in India, with relatively nascent at 1-2% (as of 2020), is witnessing a strong push from both digital players who view this market as an opportunity and large jewellers who view this market as a required addition to their brick-and-mortar model.
• Maximum development was driven by MSEs in gems & jewellery and textiles. In November 2020, adoption of digital distribution platforms among manufacturers of gems and jewellery, manufacturing mostly non-precious, stone-studded jewellery, imitation jewellery and luxury fashion jewellery, more than quadrupled to 55% from 13% before the pandemic. The segment's micro enterprises recorded the highest boost of 41%, from the previous 13%.

Government Initiatives

• In Union Budget 2021-22, the government announced reduction on import duty for precious metals (including gold and silver) to 7.5%, from 12%, that will help the gems and jewellry exports market in India become globally competitive.
• Indian Government made hallmarking mandatory for Gold Jewellery and Artefacts. A period of one year is provided for implementation i.e. till January 2021.
  • In December 2020, All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) welcomed the decision to make hallmarking compulsory from June 2021 in a phased manner; urged the government to examine the key concerns of the industry for smooth implementation of the initiative.
• In December 2020, the Finance Ministry notified that the amendment under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), notifying dealers in precious metals and stones, will maintain records of cash transactions worth Rs. 10 lakh (US$ 13.61 thousand) or more cumulatively with a single customer.

Road Ahead

In the coming years, growth in gems and jewellery sector would largely be contributed by the development of large retailers/brands. Established brands are guiding the organised market and are opening opportunities to grow. Increasing penetration of organised players provides variety in terms of products and designs. Online sales are expected to account for 1–2% of the fine jewellery segment by 2021–22. Also, the relaxation of restrictions of gold import is likely to provide a fillip to the industry. The improvement in availability along with the reintroduction of low-cost gold metal loans and likely stabilisation of gold prices at lower levels is expected to drive volume growth for jewellers over short to medium term. The demand for jewellery is expected to be significantly supported by the recent positive developments in the industry.

Note: Conversion rate used for January 2021 is Rs. 1 = US$ 0.014

• * Between April 2020 and December 2020

Note: P - Provisional

References: Media Reports, Press Releases, Reserve Bank of India, Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.