India’s Imitation Jewellery Sector Sees Explosive 74% Export Growth
Surat: India’s fashion and imitation jewellery industry has achieved a remarkable milestone, recording a 74.52% surge in exports during the first half of the 2026-27 fiscal year. Driven by a consistent month-on-month rise between April and September, the sector has successfully capitalized on evolving global consumer preferences and shifting international trade landscapes.
According to latest industry data, gross exports reached $54.96 million in this six-month window, a significant jump from the $31.49 million reported during the corresponding period last year. This uptick reflects not only a surge in overseas procurement but also a substantial scaling of manufacturing capabilities across India’s primary jewellery hubs.
Global Trade Dynamics and the ‘China Factor’
The primary catalyst for this rapid expansion is the changing nature of international trade relations, specifically regarding the United States. Analysts point to the widening tariff gap between Indian and Chinese products as a pivotal reason for the shift in buyer sentiment. While Chinese-origin fashion jewellery faces a cumulative effective tariff of 38.5% when entering the US market in 2026, Indian exporters enjoy a far more competitive edge with a tariff rate of just 10%.
This pricing advantage has led to a major redirection of supply chains. Industry estimates indicate that Indian exports to the US market alone have more than doubled, climbing 104% from $12 million to $24 million within the first half of the fiscal year. Beyond the US, Indian manufacturers are witnessing a robust appetite for their products in Europe, with strong demand emanating from fashion-forward markets in France, Spain, and the UK.
Diversification Beyond Traditional Hubs
The boom in the imitation jewellery sector is no longer confined to major metropolitan centers. While established hubs like Rajkot and Jaipur continue to dominate the export landscape, there is a noticeable decentralization of the industry.
Dinesh Navadiya, chairperson of the Indian Diamond Institute (IDI), noted that the growth is increasingly spreading to rural hinterlands surrounding these traditional hubs. “Many small-scale production units are emerging in rural areas, and they are consistently delivering high-quality craftsmanship,” Navadiya observed. This expansion of the manufacturing base is helping India meet the rising volume of international orders while fostering local economic development.
Rising Appeal Amid Gold Price Volatility
Market experts also identify an intrinsic shift in consumer behavior as a secondary driver. As global bullion prices remain elevated, a growing segment of consumers is pivoting toward high-quality, non-precious jewellery that offers aesthetic appeal without the heavy price tag of gold or platinum.
Indian manufacturers have responded to this demand by elevating their production standards. Significant improvements in plating techniques, final product finishes, and manufacturing consistency have played a crucial role in building brand trust. As Indian firms prove their ability to keep pace with fast-changing global fashion trends, they are securing more repeat contracts, cementing India’s position as a reliable and high-quality player in the global fashion jewellery supply chain.
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