Gold import growth slows sharply in May as RBI flags deceleration, ETF outflows

RBI's Financial Stability Report notes a third straight monthly decline in gold import growth, with May imports at USD 12 billion. Gold ETFs saw a Rs 725 crore net outflow in May versus a Rs 24,039 crore inflow in January, signaling cooling demand relevant to India's jewellery retail category.

— Filed Tue, 30 Jun, 2026, 21:18 IST · Source ET Small Business · Updated

RBI's Financial Stability Report flags substantial deceleration in gold import growth in May after PM Modi's appeals to curb consumption, with third consecutive monthly decline and gold ETF outflows — relevant to India's jewelry retail category.

Why this matters

RBI's Financial Stability Report extends its run of policy and market signals shaping retail finance, following recent moves to tighten credit-on-UPI rules and keep NBFCs out of the consumer lending rail.

Retail-company signals are accelerating, up +451300% QoQ.