Gold imports by India seen rising more than fourfold last month

By Pratik Parija
Bloomberg News
Wednesday, October 15, 2014

NEW DELHI, India -- Gold imports by India, the largest user after China, probably surged more than fourfold last month on expectations declining prices would boost festival demand.

Purchases are estimated at about 95 metric tons compared with 15 tons to 20 tons in September last year, said Bachhraj Bamalwa, a director at the All India Gems & Jewellery Trade Federation. The government raised import taxes for a third time in August last year after a month earlier obliging importers to set aside 20 percent of purchases for re-export as jewelry.

India represented 25 percent of global demand in 2013. Imports of gold were valued at $3.75 billion in September, 450 percent more than a year earlier, the Commerce Ministry estimates. Buying and gifting of gold is considered auspicious and the most favorable time is the festival of Dhanteras, two days before Diwali which occurs on Oct. 23. Festivals run through November and the wedding season follows to early May. ...

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