INDIA-India’s gold demand to fall in 2026 as jewellery slump offsets investment rise

Gold and silver have hit record highs, fueled by strong demand and a dropped value of the US dollar. Escalating geopolitical tensions are also playing a significant role in this upward trend. Wealthy investors are turning to gold as a safe haven, while traders explore financing options for gold acquisitions.

India’s apparel exports to Europe rose modestly to $7.94 billion in January–November 2025, but its market share remained low at 3.64 per cent, ranking eighth among suppliers.
The India–EU FTA, announced in January 2026, is expected to remove duties, improve price parity, and open new sourcing opportunities in Europe’s $260-billion apparel market.

Raymond Lifestyle Limited has reported steady Q3 FY26 performance, with consolidated income rising 5 per cent to ₹1,883 crore (~$205 million), driven by strong domestic demand.
EBITDA grew 23 per cent to ₹271 crore (~$29.5 million), while profit before tax rose 36 per cent.
Branded textiles led growth, offsetting weakness in garmenting amid US tariff uncertainty.

Dr. Martens has reported resilient Q3 FY26 trading despite a tough retail backdrop, with revenue down 2.7 per cent to £253 million (~$346.6 million) due to tighter promotions.
YTD revenue slipped 0.7 per cent.
Wholesale outperformed, while DTC declined amid a focus on full-price sales.
The Americas led growth.
The company expects flat FY26 revenue and strong YoY PBT growth.

Arvind Fashions Limited achieved robust results in the third quarter of fiscal year 2026. Revenue surged by 14.5 percent to ₹1,377 crore. This growth was powered by strong performance in direct-to-consumer channels. EBITDA also saw a significant increase. The company’s retail like-to-like growth was 8.2 percent. Online business experienced nearly 50 percent growth. Wholesale channels maintained double-digit growth.

India’s textile and apparel industry expects a major boost from the India–EU FTA, which will eliminate the roughly 12 per cent duty on Indian garments and create tariff parity with key Asian competitors.
Industry leaders say the pact will unlock new EU sourcing opportunities, drive gradual export growth, attract investment, and strengthen India’s position as a sustainable, value-added supplier.

PC Jeweller Ltd on Tuesday reported a 28 per cent increase in its consolidated net profit at Rs 190.10 crore in the quarter ended December, mainly on festive demand.

Gold and silver prices have reached unprecedented levels. This surge is driven by global geopolitical unrest, a weaker US dollar, and anticipation of interest rate reductions by the US Federal Reserve. Investors are increasingly turning to these precious metals as safe havens. Consequently, demand for physical gold jewelry has seen a significant drop, with consumers opting for investment-based gold purchases.

Sri Lanka’s apparel exports crossed $5 billion in 2025, rising 5.42 per cent year on year, supported by steady demand from the US, European Union and UK.
December exports grew 5.43 per cent to $447.21 million, led by strong gains in core markets.
Industry body JAAF said the milestone highlights resilience and called for expansion into emerging markets to sustain growth in 2026.