An analysis of gem exports

An analysis of gem exports made during the year 2006 through the Gem and Jewelry Authority:

All gems, jewelry, diamond and geuda exports should be chenneled through the export division of the National gem and Jewelry Authority. These export matters are being handled in the following branches of the National Gem and Jewelry Authority.

National Gem and Jewelry Authority
Head Office (Export Division)
25, Galle Face Terrace, Colombo 03. Sri Lanka.
Telephone: +94 11 2325364 / 2329295

Gem Export Center
Air Cargo Village, Air Port, Katunayake, Sri Lanka.
Telephone: +94 11 2252203

Geuda Export Center
Gem Complex, Ratnepura. Sri Lanka
Telephone: +94 452 222007

The Services required by the exporters are provided by the export and export promotion division situated at head office. Ancillary services required by the exporters such as custom facilities, post office facilities, services of international forwarders, are provided in the head office with the help of relevant organizations.
Gem Exports

The value of the gem exported in the year 2006 amounted to Rs.9853.2 million (US $98.50 million) while it was Rs.8004.7 million (US $80.00 million) in the year 2005. These represent a increase of 23% in the year 2006 when compared with year 2005. The volume of the gems exported in the year 2006 was 8,931,696 in cartage. The increase of the volume of exports in the year 2006 is 34.4% when compared with year 2005. The export value and caratage for last 5 years are indicated in graph 1 and 2.

The main international markets for Sri Lankan gems are USA, Thailand, Switzerland, Hong Kong, and Japan. In the graph 2 you will find country wise gem exports made to the 8 big buyers in the year 2005 and 2006.

Blue Sapphire is the leading product exported by this industry. In the year 2006 the value of Blue Sapphire exports represents 44.5% of total export earnings in gems. Table 2 indicates the details of gems exported i the year 2005 and 2006.