India’s robust gem and jewellery export performance in the first six months of the financial year 2022-23 has helped to maintain growth for the period April to October 2022, despite a sharp dip in exports in the month of October 2022. The decline in exports in the month of October or November is a seasonal trend consistent with previous years as manufacturing activities are either limited or units are closed because of the Diwali season. Traditionally, a spike in exports is seen once again post the Diwali holiday period.

The World Gold Council’s latest Gold Demand Trends report reveals that gold demand (excluding OTC) in the third quarter of 2022 hit 1,181 tonnes, up 28% year-on-year. Strong demand pushed the year-to-date total to its pre-COVID levels. Gold demand was bolstered by consumers and central banks, although there was a notable contraction in investment demand.