August 6, 2025 – Washington, D.C.A new wave of tariffs imposed on Indian imports is sending shockwaves through the South Asian community in the United States — particularly among families who regularly purchase gold jewelry from India or at U.S.-based jewelry exhibitions.
Under the latest Trump administration trade measures, Indian-origin gold and platinum jewelry now faces a staggering 57% tariff when imported into the United States. This applies to both direct imports by travelers and retail products sold at exhibitions across the country.
Bringing it from India? Prepare to pay a hefty 57% duty at the airport based on the item’s purchase value.
Buying it at U.S. shows? That same tariff is baked into the retail price — meaning you’re still paying 57% more.
No Way Out: $20K Necklace Now Costs $31,400
Whether you purchase in India or on U.S. soil, the outcome is the same: a $20,000 necklace will now set you back $31,400 — a painful reality for many families preparing for weddings, festivals, or investment in traditional gold ornaments.
The tariff move, part of a broader escalation in trade tensions between the U.S. and India, is expected to disrupt the $2B+ annual gold jewelry trade, impact small business jewelers in the U.S., and push consumers to seek alternative sources — or postpone major purchases altogether.
🛑 What Can You Do?
There’s little recourse for consumers in the short term. Industry experts recommend:
• Checking customs regulations before traveling internationally with jewelry.
• Asking U.S. jewelers about tariff-inclusive pricing.
• Delaying large purchases until trade negotiations stabilize.
Bottom line:
Whether you’re bringing it in your luggage or buying it at your local expo — you’re paying the price. And for now, that price just went up by 57%.
