Jewellery exports up 9%

The country's gem and jewellery exports during April-December 2007 grew 8.71 per cent yeay-on-year to Rs 61,092 crore, according to data released by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) on Tuesday.

In dollar terms, the exports rose higher - 22 per cent - from a year ago to $15.07 billion, the data showed.

During the period, the average exchange rate realised by the industry was Rs 40.52 per dollar as against Rs 45.46 per dollar a year ago, according to the industry body.

Exports of cut and polished diamonds during the period rose 15.80 per cent to Rs 40,681 crore, GJEPC said.

Gold jewellery exports from domestic tariff area declined over 10 per cent to Rs 9,281 crore.

However, a 6 per cent-plus rise in exports from special economic zones and export processing zones limited overall decline in exports to 3.45 per cent at Rs 17,332 crore.

In dollar terms, gold jewellery exports rose 8.32 per cent to $4.28 billion, GJEPC said. Exports of coloured gemstones rose 0.43 per cent from a year ago to Rs 759 crore, while rough diamonds exports were down 9.7 per cent at Rs 1,594 crore, the data showed.