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Jewelry Exporters Assocıatıon Joıns RJC

The Jewelry Exporters Association has become a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) and announced its first sustainability report, titled “Sustainability Action Plan Report in the Jewelry Sector.” Despite the economic challenges faced both domestically and globally, the increase in jewelry exports was highlighted. Since January, jewelry exports have reached $4.921 billion, a 15% increase compared to the same period last year. It was emphasized that this increase was achieved despite a $300 million decrease in gold bullion exports, thanks to the rise in finished jewelry exports. The export of finished jewelry has reached $3.780 billion, marking a significant 44% increase compared to the same period last year.

In his speech, Jewelry Exporters Association President Burak Yakın stated, “Consumers worldwide now consider not only aesthetics and quality but also the environmental and social impacts of a product before purchasing it.” He called on all jewelry companies to adhere to global sustainability standards as RJC members.

The launch event held at the TEA Şehit Ömer Halisdemir Conference Hall for the RJC membership and sustainability report included speeches from Chairman of the Board of the Jewellery Exporters Association Burak Yakın, Chairman of Türkiye Exporters Assembly Mustafa Gültepe, ORE Law Founding Partners Attorneys Aydan and Aycan Karagöz, RJC Board Member Satta Matturi, Umur Gençoğlu (Mioro), Göknur Karadağ (Goldenline), and Dr. Meri Taksi Deveciyan.

TİM President Mustafa Gültepe highlighted the valuable contributions of all exporting firms and sectors to the Turkish economy and expressed pride in the development of the jewelry sector’s exports. Gültepe emphasized that producing for the world without consuming the world is one of their core mottos, noting that the sustainability step is crucial for further progress and will provide new momentum for the sector.

MIB President Burak Yakın pointed out that the jewelry sector contributes significantly to Turkey’s highest value-added exports. He noted that despite global trade disruptions post-pandemic and economic challenges in Turkey, significant steps were taken for the rapid recovery of the sector. He said, “Despite many sectors experiencing declines, jewelry exports, under our leadership, showed a remarkable increase. Since January, our jewelry exports have reached $4.921 billion, a 15% increase compared to the same period last year. This increase was achieved despite a $300 million decrease in gold bullion exports, thanks to the strong rise in finished jewelry exports. The export of finished jewelry reached $3.780 billion, showing a striking 44% increase compared to the same period last year. Note the 23% decrease in gold bullion exports during the same period. (To those who criticize us as bullion dealers and claim that we work solely in gold trading, these figures provide the best response; the figures speak for themselves—gold bullion exports decreased while production-based exports increased by 50%). When we include border trade and passenger accompaniment exports, I believe we have approached nearly $10 billion in exports.”

Emphasizing that the jewelry sector goes beyond producing aesthetically and high-value products to also paying attention to environmental and social responsibilities, Yakın explained that they aim to raise awareness of sustainable and responsible production in the sector. He underscored that membership in the Responsible Jewellery Council is an important step in this direction and highlighted the increasing importance of sustainability due to the rapid and uncontrolled use of natural resources driven by population growth and industrialization.