Gemstones and jewellery exports up 31%

This positive trend extends over six months, with a total increase of 9.01%. However, the global economic conditions including inflation and uncertainties still pose challenges, despite the support from the service and tourism sector.

Sumed Prasongpongchai, the director of the Gem and Jewellery Institute of Thailand, said he was satisfied with the increase in exports and added that if gold were included, the value would be U$929.15 million. For the first half of 2023 (January – June), gemstone and jewelry exports (excluding gold) totalled U$4.20 billion, he added.

In terms of major export markets, there were both increases and decreases. Notable increases were seen in Hong Kong (up by 184.47%), Japan (up by 6.05%), Italy (up by 47.27%), the United Arab Emirates (up by 22.50%), and Singapore (up by 73.94%). Other countries showed a downward trend, with the US down by 8.99%, Germany…