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India's Reliance on Gold Imports Persists Amid Fluctuating Prices
7 Oct
Summary
- India heavily depends on gold imports, with recycled gold forming a minor share
- Domestic gold prices exceed international rates due to import duties and taxes
- Gold's safe-haven status ensures steady demand during market volatility
According to the latest news as of October 8th, 2025, India, the world's second-largest gold consumer after China, remains heavily dependent on imports, with recycled gold forming only a minor share of the overall supply. This reliance on imports means that any fluctuations in the rupee-dollar exchange rate directly influence the prices Indian buyers pay for gold.
Domestically, gold prices in India generally exceed international rates, largely due to import duties, GST, and various state-level levies that make both jewelry and bullion more costly for consumers. This disparity between global and local prices is an ongoing challenge for the Indian gold market.
On the global front, gold prices are shaped by a variety of factors, including movements in bond yields, central bank policies, and shifts in economic sentiment. Interestingly, the metal's enduring safe-haven status ensures steady demand during periods of financial market volatility and geopolitical uncertainty, as investors seek stability amid global headwinds.
