India reported record gold imports in August after the country slashed its import duty the month before. India ranks as the world’s second-largest gold consumer behind China.
In July, the Indian government cut taxes on gold and silver imports by more than half, lowering duties from 15 percent to 6 percent. The domestic gold price fell 6 percent month-on-month after the lower duty went into effect, even as the dollar price of gold increased. As expected, the government’s move spurred a big jump in gold demand.
India reported record gold imports in dollar terms, totaling $10 billion in August. It was over a three-fold increase over the previous month. The World Gold Council estimates the country imported 140 tons of gold, tripling July’s total.
