A possible import duty cut on gold in the upcoming Budget could curb smuggling and boost sagging imports.
Commerce Ministry has reportedly asked for a reduction in import duty on gold to boost exports and manufacturing in the gems and jewellery sector. Import duty on gold was increased from 10 to 12.5 percent in the previous Budget. But, the gems and jewellery industry wants import duty to be reduced to 4 per cent.
According to analyst firm ICRA's recent research report, gold jewellery demand may remain subdued in FY20 with growth in the range of 6-8% due to elevated gold prices. Gold imports in 2019 were the lowest in three years as prices jumped 18 per cent. Total imports fell 12 per cent compared to 2018. Gold demand in India, in the first half of 2019, was 372.2 tonnes, 9 per cent higher than the first half of 2018, despite a slowing economy.
Official gold imports in December declined to 39 tonnes from 152 tonnes in November 2019.
Industry insiders claim illegal gold smuggling from the Middle East and other countries increased in 2019. About 110 tonnes of gold was estimated to have smuggled into India in 2018. According to the All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council sources, smuggled inflows of gold may be higher at about 140 tonnes in 2019. In 2018-19, 166.961 kg of gold worth Rs 52.46 crore was seized from the Kochi airport alone, in comparison to 81.69 kg of gold worth Rs 23.69 crore seized in 2017-18. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has observed increased incidents of smuggling from new countries like China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, other than the old smuggling hubs like Nepal, Dubai, Sharjah and other Middle East countries.
Courtesy - Business Today
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