Amid continuing geo-political tensions in the Gulf and the other Middle Eastern countries, Finance Ministry has made it clear that it cannot lower its guard on the external front and ease gold import curbs as developments in Iraq and other countries can have adverse implications on the country's Current Account Deficit (CAD) situation. Revenue Secretary Shaktikanta Das has stated that though CAD problem has been contained, India needs to be very cautious as global uncertainties in gulf countries can push up oil prices inflating the import bill, adding to pressure on the CAD. .
The current account deficit (CAD) narrowed to $32.4 billion (1.7% of GDP) in FY14 as compared to $87.8 billion (4.7% of GDP) in FY13 mainly driven by the lower gold imports. Gold and silver imports fell by 40.02% to $33.46 billion in FY14 due to the stern Government’s norms like high customs duty of 10% and existing 80/20 rule under which 20% of all gold imports by importers has to be re-exported.
Gold is the second largest import item for India after crude oil and is mainly utilised to meet the demand of jewellery industry. Over the past few months, gems and jewellery industry has been demanding the government to lower curbs on gold imports as these restriction has been adversely impacting the revenue of the industry players. Indian gems and jewellery industry account for around 13% of the country total exports. During FY14, India’s gems and jewellery exports declined by 8.82% to $39.52 billion from a year earlier due to prevailing restrictions.
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