US Tariffs and Indian Jewelry in 2026: What Changes for American Buyers
Since July 24, Indian diamonds, gemstones and jewelry entering the USA carry a 10% additional duty under a new Section 301 regime. What changed and what it means for your purchase.
On July 24, 2026, the United States replaced a temporary Section 122 surcharge with a new Section 301 tariff regime. For India, it keeps a 10% additional duty on gem and jewelry exports, including natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, colored gemstones and finished jewelry. Here is what changed, and what it means if you buy jewelry made in India.
What changed
The new regime followed the conclusion of investigations by the US Trade Representative and a Presidential Memorandum signed on July 23. Countries were placed in bands. India, having adopted a prohibition on imports made with forced labor, was placed in the lower 10% band, below competing hubs such as China, Hong Kong, Thailand, the UAE, Israel and Vietnam at 12.5%.
For the diamond trade, one detail stands out: cut and polished natural diamonds and colored gemstones, which previously entered the USA duty-free, now attract the 10% additional duty. Lab-grown diamonds face the same 10%. Finished jewelry carries the 10% on top of its normal duty, which industry reports put at an effective rate of around 15 to 16% for many gold jewelry lines.
How we got here
- August 2025: tariffs on many Indian goods rose sharply, to as much as 50%.
- Early 2026: a US–India trade reset reduced them substantially.
- Earlier in 2026: a temporary surcharge under Section 122 of the Trade Act applied.
- July 24, 2026: the Section 301 regime replaced it, with no automatic expiry.
What it means for American buyers
Duty on delivery
When you buy from an Indian jeweler, US duties are usually collected by the courier on delivery, unless the price says "duties paid".
Compare total cost
Add likely duty to an overseas price before comparing with a US retailer.
Still competitive
Even with duty, buying direct from a manufacturer can cost less than buying through several middlemen.
Made in our Surat workshop
What tariff applies to jewelry from India in 2026?
Since July 24, 2026, a 10% additional Section 301 duty applies to Indian gems and jewelry, on top of normal duty where it applies.
Are lab-grown diamonds affected?
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds from India carry the 10% additional duty.
Who pays the duty when I order from India?
Usually the buyer, collected by the courier on delivery, unless the seller states prices include duties.
