Daily News - Tuesday, 16 December 2025
India’s Gem & Jewelry Exports Rise to to US$ 2.5 Billion in November 2025 (India Brand Equity Foundation)
According to the Gem and Jewelry Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), India’s gem and jewelry exports in November 2025 rose nearly 20% year-on-year to US$ 2.50 billion. The surge was led by cut and polished diamonds, which recorded sharp growth, alongside steady gains in lab-grown diamonds reflecting global acceptance of sustainable alternatives. Studded gold and silver jewelry also contributed significantly, supported by rising employment demand and the restoration of silver bullion supply chains. Cumulative exports from April–November 2025 remained flat at US$ 18.85 billion, showing uneven recovery in global demand. Industry leaders noted stabilizing demand in China, Hong Kong, and the Middle East, which helped offset weaker demand from the United States. The rise in gold-studded jewelry exports underscores India’s growing strength as a global manufacturing hub, backed by expert craftsmanship, competitive job work, and improved raw material availability.
India’s Insurance Market Opens Fully to Foreign Investors as India Clears 100% FDI in Insurance (Times Now)
The Union Cabinet has approved raising the FDI limit in insurance from 74% to 100%, marking a major reform. The change will be introduced through the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, scheduled for debate in Parliament’s Winter Session ending December 19. The move is expected to attract fresh foreign capital, intensify competition, and benefit policyholders through better protection and wider coverage. India’s insurance industry has already drawn ₹82,000 crore (~US$9.8 billion) in FDI, and the new law will allow 100% foreign ownership while reducing paid‑up capital requirements. Officials say the reforms aim to strengthen financial stability, simplify compliance, and advance the vision of “Insurance for All by 2047.”
India Proposes Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with Mexico to Offset 50% Tariffs on Exports (Business Standard)
India has proposed a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with Mexico to help exporters cope with steep new tariffs announced by Mexico. Mexico will impose 5%–50% import duties on about 1,455 tariff lines from non‑FTA partners, including India, China, South Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia, starting January 1, 2026. India‑Mexico merchandise trade totaled US$8.74 billion in 2024, with Indian exports at US$5.73 billion, imports at US$3.01 billion, and a trade surplus of US$2.72 billion. The new tariffs are expected to affect around US$2 billion worth of Indian exports, particularly in automobiles, auto parts, textiles, iron and steel, plastics, leather, and footwear. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said a PTA is the fastest WTO‑compatible solution, as a full FTA would take longer to negotiate. Industry bodies like FIEO and ACMA warned that the steep duties could erode competitiveness, disrupt supply chains, and increase cost pressures, underlining the urgency of a comprehensive trade pact.
India’s Exports to China increased 33% to USD 12.2 Billion from Apr-Nov 2025 (Asianet News Central)
According to the Commerce Ministry, India’s merchandise exports to China rose 32.83% year-on-year in April–November 2025, reaching USD 12.22 billion, up from USD 9.20 billion in the same period of 2024. Monthly exports in 2025–26 began at USD 1.39 billion in April, climbed to USD 1.62 billion in May, dipped mid-year, then surged to USD 2.20 billion in November, compared to just USD 1.16 billion in November 2024. In contrast, India’s exports to the United States showed mixed trends: rising 21% in November to USD 6.92 billion, but falling 9% in October to USD 6.31 billion. India’s overall trade deficit narrowed sharply to USD 24.53 billion in November 2025, down from USD 41.68 billion in October. Total trade (merchandise + services) exports hit USD 73.99 billion in November 2025, up from USD 64.05 billion last year, while imports dipped slightly to USD 80.63 billion from USD 81.11 billion. As a result, the overall trade deficit shrank to USD 6.64 billion in November 2025, compared to USD 17.06 billion in November 2024.
India’s Trade Deficit Narrows to USD 24.5 Billion in November 2025, Exports Hit 38.1 Billion indicating Exports up, Imports down (Hindustan Times)
According to the Commerce Ministry, India’s trade deficit fell sharply to USD 24.53 billion in November 2025, down from a record USD 41.7 billion in October. Exports rose to USD 38.13 billion in November, compared to USD 34.48 billion in October, marking the highest level since June 2022. Imports declined to USD 62.66 billion in November, from USD 76.06 billion in October, driven by lower purchases of gold, oil, and coal. Exports to the United States grew 10% month-on-month to USD 6.92 billion, and were up 21% year-on-year, despite tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. India’s services exports stood at USD 35.86 billion, while services imports were USD 17.96 billion, resulting in a USD 17.9 billion surplus. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal noted that India’s push into newer markets, including China, and improved supply chains boosted performance, reaffirming the gem and jewelry sector and gold-studded exports as key contributors to employment and value addition.
