Metal stocks surged this week despite broader market volatility, lifting the Nifty Metal index around 4% as Adani Enterprises, Hindalco, and Vedanta climbed up to 11%. Analysts say investors should not chase momentum and instead look to buy on dips. The rally is linked to government increases in import duties on gold and silver to 15%, aimed at easing rupee pressure, plus industrial demand and supply disruptions—from copper-linked sulphuric acid issues to aluminium smelter disruptions in the Gulf.
India is bracing for a “crunch time” after the US-Israel conflict in Iran escalates and the Strait of Hormuz faces blockade risk, pushing up essentials via higher crude prices and disrupting trade. Policymakers have begun with import duties on gold and silver, but warn that the real vulnerability is India’s dependency on imported oil, amplified by capital outflows that weaken the rupee. The article argues RBI should prioritize financial stability, potentially raising rates despite reluctance, while long-term fixes require credible oil-and-gas investment.
Your news, in seconds
Get the Beige app — every story in 60 words, updated hourly. Free on iOS & Android.
Kalyan Jewellers shares have fallen more than 40% from their peak, cutting into investor wealth by about Rs 27,000 crore. The drop comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked people to pause gold purchases and the government raised import duties. Analysts cite policy headwinds plus technical weakness as the stock struggles to stabilize.
In a late Tuesday move, India raised import duties on gold and silver to 15% from 6%, effective May 13, combining a 10% basic customs duty with a 5% Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess. The government says the aim is to curb overseas buying of precious metals and ease pressure on foreign exchange reserves, even as bullion prices reportedly jump about 7%.
Jewellery stocks have fallen as much as 20% over three sessions, wiping out nearly Rs 60,000 crore in investor wealth. The slide follows PM Narendra Modi’s call for households to defer gold purchases and the government’s hike in gold import duties. Analysts say the damage may be sentiment driven, with no structural threat to India’s long-term gold demand.
India’s bullion market is set for a reset as higher import duties on gold and jewellery threaten to cool demand and shrink imports. Analysts expect the supply shift to push up domestic gold prices, with knock-on effects for jewellery buyers and gold ETF investments. Silver, in contrast, may gain from global supply deficits and disruption risks.
Never miss a story
Set alerts for the topics and sources you care about. Download Beige for free.
India raised import duties on gold and silver to 15%, pushing precious metal prices higher. Shares of Hindustan Zinc, the country’s largest silver producer, jumped about 5% and Vedanta rose roughly 4% as markets priced in benefits from elevated silver rates. The government also hopes to curb imports and support rupee stability.
India has raised import duties on gold and silver, a policy aimed at cutting foreign exchange outflow and easing pressure on reserves. The change is expected to push up jewellery prices for consumers, while encouraging domestic recycling and less dependence on imported metal. The move also carries implications for traders and the broader economy as demand shifts.
Across India, bridal jewellery counters are seeing a sharp surge as customers rush to finalize purchases earlier than planned. Jewellers link the spike to growing uncertainty after austerity messaging from PM Narendra Modi and fears that import duties or GST on gold could rise. For many shoppers, gold’s cultural weight and potential price jumps outweigh waiting.
India’s government has denied any plans to raise gold and silver import duties, responding to Prime Minister Modi’s appeal for citizens to avoid gold purchases amid economic strain. Officials say no duty hike is planned even as gold and silver imports surged in the last fiscal year. Experts warn that higher duties could fuel smuggling, while jewellery firms look to keep prices down.
Reading on mobile?
Open Beige in the app for a smoother experience — free on iOS and Android.
India has no plans to increase import duties on gold and silver, a government source said Monday. The reassurance comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people to avoid buying gold for a year, citing concerns linked to the Iran war. The move suggests policy may focus on demand restraint rather than higher trade taxes for the precious metals.
Ferrari expects a faster growth push in India after the EU FTA reduces import duties on its cars. The company is now urging buyers to place early orders, aiming to deliver vehicles at lower prices within 18 months. Ferrari says the timing fits its long-term India focus, supported by improving infrastructure and a growing base of younger, globally exposed customers.
Facing the West Asia crisis and supply pressures, the government is considering policy changes to improve access to induction cooktops. Officials are reportedly discussing a cut in customs duties on key components and a possible reduction in GST, aiming to lower prices for consumers and boost uptake of energy-efficient cooking appliances.
GST rates and procedures can change after GST Council meetings during the year, but legal statute changes only arrive through the Finance Bill during Parliament’s Budget session. That means businesses planning compliance and pricing may see surprises around the same window—especially as import duties are also rationalized—shifting tax treatment when the law is rewritten.
Follow your favourite sources
Track sources, tags and categories — all in the Beige app.
Swipe through stories, personalise your feed, and save articles for later — all on the app.