Gold imports slip 3.3 per cent to USD 26.11 billion in April-February

Gold imports slip 3.3 per cent to USD 26.11 billion in April-February
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Synopsis

The decline in gold imports has helped in narrowing the country's trade deficit to USD 84.62 billion during the 11-month of the current fiscal, as against USD 151.37 billion a year ago.

Agencies
In volume terms, the country imports 800-900 tonnes of gold annually.
Gold imports, which have a bearing on the country's current account deficit (CAD), fell 3.3 per cent to USD 26.11 billion during April-February 2020-21, according to the commerce ministry data.

Imports of the yellow metal stood at USD 27 billion in April-February 2019-20.

The decline in gold imports has helped in narrowing the country's trade deficit to USD 84.62 billion during the 11-month of the current fiscal, as against USD 151.37 billion a year ago.

India is the largest importer of gold, which mainly caters to the demand of the jewellery industry.

In volume terms, the country imports 800-900 tonnes of gold annually.

To promote the export sector, the government has reduced the import duty in this Budget on the metal to 7.5 per cent. However, it also attracts agriculture infrastructure and development cess at the rate of 2.5 per cent.

Gems and jewellery exports declined 33.86 per cent to USD 22.40 billion in April-February 2020-21.

The imports of gold jumped to USD 5.3 billion in February as compared to USD 2.36 billion in the same month last year, the data showed.

Silver imports during the 11 months have dipped by 70.3 per cent to USD 780.75 million.

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4 Comments on this Story

Padamnoor Pradeep14 hours ago
People might sell some jewelry and so prices may not go much higher. Especially due to lockdown many people are jobless/experiencing lower income. Gold loan Banks/companies too might be forced to sell the jewelry against which loans have been taken and are unpaid beyond the stipulated period thereby increasing NPAs.
Shyam Gangil14 hours ago
50k
Shyam Gangil14 hours ago
golg reach 50k