Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2025
Tariff on India Will Be 25%, Trump Says Policies & IssuesAug 06, 2025
Tariff on India to Rise to 50%, Trump Says
An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.
On Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced an additional 25 percent tariff on India, increasing the rate at which imports from India are taxed to 50 percent.
Washington, D.C.—The tariff on goods imported from India to the United States will increase to 50 percent later this month, the White House announced Wednesday morning.
In an executive order, President Donald Trump said he plans to add an additional 25 percent to the 25 percent tariff on Indian imports announced last week.
The rate set for India, where 90 percent of the world’s diamonds are cut and polished, is one of the highest proposed for a U.S. trading partner.
It is one of a number of so-called reciprocal tariffs poised to impact the jewelry and watch industry.
Switzerland, the center of the mechanical watch-making world, faces a 39 percent tariff, while imports from Thailand are set to be taxed at 19 percent; Botswana, 15 percent; and the European Union, 15 percent, just to name a few.
On Wednesday, Jewelers of America President and CEO David Bonaparte said the proposed tariffs on Indian imports will be “detrimental” to a lot of jewelry businesses.
“We continue to work closely with our legislative team in Washington, D.C., to lobby for an exemption for diamonds and gemstones, as they cannot be sourced in the U.S. We continue to urge Jewelers of America members to use our Legislative Action Center to take action as well.”
The previously announced 25 percent tariff on Indian imports will go into effect Thursday along with the other “reciprocal” tariffs, while the additional 25 percent is slated to take effect on Aug. 27, according to the executive order.
“Obviously, a 50 percent-plus tariff on Indian goods will have a significant impact on the jewelry industry,” Jewelers Vigilance Committee CEO and General Counsel Sara Yood said.
“It's important to remember that these rates keep changing as the president is using them as a negotiating tactic, and just like the China tariff escalation we saw previously this year, we can expect the rates to fluctuate again as negotiations continue.”
Related stories will be right here …
In an executive order, President Donald Trump said he plans to add an additional 25 percent to the 25 percent tariff on Indian imports announced last week.
The rate set for India, where 90 percent of the world’s diamonds are cut and polished, is one of the highest proposed for a U.S. trading partner.
It is one of a number of so-called reciprocal tariffs poised to impact the jewelry and watch industry.
Switzerland, the center of the mechanical watch-making world, faces a 39 percent tariff, while imports from Thailand are set to be taxed at 19 percent; Botswana, 15 percent; and the European Union, 15 percent, just to name a few.
On Wednesday, Jewelers of America President and CEO David Bonaparte said the proposed tariffs on Indian imports will be “detrimental” to a lot of jewelry businesses.
“We continue to work closely with our legislative team in Washington, D.C., to lobby for an exemption for diamonds and gemstones, as they cannot be sourced in the U.S. We continue to urge Jewelers of America members to use our Legislative Action Center to take action as well.”
The previously announced 25 percent tariff on Indian imports will go into effect Thursday along with the other “reciprocal” tariffs, while the additional 25 percent is slated to take effect on Aug. 27, according to the executive order.
“Obviously, a 50 percent-plus tariff on Indian goods will have a significant impact on the jewelry industry,” Jewelers Vigilance Committee CEO and General Counsel Sara Yood said.
“It's important to remember that these rates keep changing as the president is using them as a negotiating tactic, and just like the China tariff escalation we saw previously this year, we can expect the rates to fluctuate again as negotiations continue.”
In Wednesday’s executive order, Trump said the rate hike is because the Indian government has been “directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil.”
When imposing the initial 25 percent tariff last week, Trump stated via Truth Social that India would face an unspecified “penalty” for buying energy and military equipment from Russia “at a time when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE KILLING IN UKRAINE.”
On Monday, Trump warned in another Truth Social post that the tariffs paid by India would be “substantially raised.”
“India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine.”
In a statement about the executive order, a spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs called Trump’s actions “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.”
India has been clear on its position regarding its energy purchases, the statement reads. Its imports are based on market factors with the objective of ensuring the energy security of the country’s 1.4 billion people.
“It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the U.S. should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest,” it says, adding that India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests.
The executive order also instructed members of the Trump administration to determine whether other countries are “directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil” and then decide “whether and to what extent I should take action as to that country.”
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
CrimeMar 23, 2026
NYPD Looking for 3 Jewelry Store Robbery SuspectsThe group of women allegedly robbed two Catbird stores and one Gorjana location on the afternoon of March 9.
FinancialsMar 23, 2026
Movado’s Q4 Sales Rise As Demand Grows From Younger Shoppers, WomenMovado CEO Efraim Grinberg noted continued strength in the fashion watch and accessible luxury segments in the U.S.
TrendsMar 23, 2026
Marco Bicego’s New Campaign Showcases ‘The Art of Craft’After celebrating 25 years in 2025, the campaign marks a new chapter for the jewelry brand with the message that “Identity Creates Value.”
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
Events & AwardsMar 23, 2026
These Watch Brands Are Heading to Couture This YearCouture and Time to Watches announced the watch brands, from big names to independents, attendees will see at the show.
Weekly QuizMar 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsMar 20, 2026
Macy’s Turnaround Plans Shows Promise, Boosted by Bloomingdale’sPlus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.
AuctionsMar 20, 2026
Sotheby's, De Beers Unveil ‘Jwaneng 28.88’ DiamondThe flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
TrendsMar 20, 2026
‘Frankenstein’ Costume Designer Is Bejeweled In Brooches for Oscars WinCostume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.
FinancialsMar 19, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Close 100 Stores, Shutter James Allen BannerThe jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.
SurveysMar 19, 2026
NRF Forecasts 4% Retail Sales Growth in 2026From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.
AuctionsMar 19, 2026
26-Carat Diamond Tops $1M at AuctionThe historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.
Events & AwardsMar 19, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.
AuctionsMar 18, 2026
Collection of the ‘Severely Beautiful’ Lady Wardington Fetches $161KThe model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.
PodcastsMar 18, 2026
Episode 3: An Interview With Jewelry Designer Johnny NelsonFresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.
SourcingMar 18, 2026
Lucara Recovers Nearly 37-Carat Blue DiamondThe “stunning” Type IIb stone was found via x-ray technology at its Karowe mine in Botswana.
MajorsMar 18, 2026
Stuller Releases New Edition of Jewelry Education Book“The Basics of Jewelry” has been updated to include modern topics and visuals.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2026
The Best Moments From the 2026 Gem Awards Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.
SourcingMar 17, 2026
Cruzeiro Mine Debuts ‘Winter Tourmaline’The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.
TrendsMar 17, 2026
Natalie Portman Is Tiffany & Co.’s New AmbassadorThe Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.
MajorsMar 17, 2026
Kering Establishes Jewelry Division, Appoints CEOThe organizational change follows Kering’s promise of a transformation after declining sales in 2025.
EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After AnotherNatalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEOBéatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.
IndependentsMar 16, 2026
Ben Bridge Debuts New Honolulu BoutiqueThe store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.
AuctionsMar 16, 2026
Bonhams Paris To Offer Antique, Signed Jewels The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry DesignOur Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
