The Government of India raised import duty on gold and silver effective May 13, 2026.
What changed:
1. Basic Customs Duty (BCD) increased from 4.35% to 10% on gold and silver imports.
2. Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC) is 5%.
3. Effective total import duty = 10% BCD + 5% AIDC = 15% 33ee
Before vs Now:
- Earlier: ∼6% effective duty. Was 5% BCD + 1% AIDC, later cut to 6% total in July 2024 to curb smuggling
- Now: 15% effective duty from May 13, 2026.
Why:
To curb imports, protect foreign exchange reserves, and support the rupee amid the West Asia crisis and oil price spike. Brent crude hit $105/bbl and rupee fell to ₹95.28/USD.
Impact:
1. Prices: Domestic gold/silver will get costlier as jewellers pass on the ∼9% hike.
2. Stocks: Jewellery stocks like Titan, Kalyan, Senco dropped 6-9% on the news.
3. Smuggling risk: Industry expects smuggling to rise again.
By: via 🇮🇳AlliesFinServe #StockMarket #Bharat Telegram.me/AlliesFin
