Exports of gems and jewellery grew 11.7 percent to $11.4 billion during the first four months of the current year, driven largely by demand in India’s major markets like the USA.
In the April-July period of last year, exports from the sector were at $10.21 billion, according to the data from Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council.
Gems and jewellery contribute about 14 percent to the country’s exports.
The rise in April-July was mainly based on cut and polished diamond exports. It rose to $7.25 billion during the period from $6.89 billion a year ago.
Exports of silver jewellery grew by 51 percent. “Demand is gradually picking up in markets like the US, which is helping in recording growth in exports in the sector,” an official said.