WGC: India gold demand may drop 50-60 tonnes in 2026 on duty hike

World Gold Council estimates India's gold demand will fall ~10% (50-60 tonnes) in 2026 after import duty rose from 6% to 15%. Investment demand is more exposed than jewellery, but listed jewellers like Tanishq and Titan face volume risk and a potential resurgence of smuggling channels.

— Source publishedFri, 22 May, 2026, 22:53 IST·First seen Fri, 22 May, 2026, 22:56 IST·Source Times of India · Business

What happened

World Gold Council · WGC estimates India's gold demand will fall 50-60 tonnes (~10%) in 2026 after import duty hike from 6% to 15%. Investment demand more

Key facts

  • 50-60 tonnes
  • 10%
  • 6% to 15%
  • duty hike
  • 70 tonnes Q1 2014
  • 10.75% to 15% in 2022

Why this matters

Duty hike opens a window to consolidate weaker regional jewellers and lock in supply partnerships before smuggling channels re-route demand away from organised retail.