Gems & jewellery exports rise 11% during April-May

Gems and jewellery exports rose by over 11 per cent to $6.78 billion during the first two months of the current financial year, largely driven by demand from major markets like the US. In April-May last year, the sector’s exports aggregated to $6.1 billion, according to the data from Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). The labourintensive gems and jewellery sector contributes about 14 per cent to the country's overall exports. The rise in shipments was mainly supported by exports of silver jewellery, and gold medallions and coins. Silver exports more than doubled to $1.51 billion during AprilMay 2017 from $674.14 million a year ago.