Gold imports dip by 18% in Nov

Gold imports dipped by nearly 18 per cent to 28 tonnes in November against the same month last year as prices of the precious metal soared to hit a record level of Rs 18,000, dampening consumer demand.

The imports stood at 34 tonnes in November 2008, data provided by the Bombay Bullion Association showed.

The gold imports declined because prices generally ruled between Rs 16,000-17,000 levels, slackening consumer demand, the Association Director Suresh Hundia said.

In the world markets, gold prices shot up from $1,043 an ounce to a $1,181 due to a weakening dollar and a sudden rise in demand from central banks. The Reserve Bank of India bought a whopping 200 tonnes of yellow metal from the International Monetary Fund in October.

The global scenario impacted the domestic market as gold moved from a low of Rs 15,985 per 10 gram to a high of Rs 18,047.

However, the shipments showed a rise of 2 tonnes from October 2009, at 26 tonnes, due to increasing buying during the peak marriage season which was at its peak during the period beginning the last week of November to the first week of December.

According to SMC Globals analyst Ajit Kumar, the imports went up as jewellers wanted stocks to cater to the rising demand that time.

However, the shipments may decline in the lean season, from December to February end next year, he added.

Gold imports have been sluggish during 2009 and were at 172.7 tonnes during January-November, compared to 393 tonnes in the same period last year, said the Association.

This year these were just 1.8 tonnes in January followed by zero in February and March due to a lack of demand after a surge in prices.

However, gold imports touched 20 tonnes in April on account of 'Akshaya Tritiya', a festival during spring which is considered auspicious for buying gold.

The imports were at its highest during September at 37.5 tonnes at the onset of festival season, including Diwali.