The Philippines"s gemstones market, particularly for lapis lazuli, is characterized by dynamic trade activities, reflecting broader trends in the global demand for premium semi-precious stones. In 2024, the Philippines exported 8,490 kg of unworked precious or semi-precious stones valued at $10,000, while imports reached 3,001. 82 kg, costing $46,017. This indicates a growing focus on domestic processing and re-exportation strategies. Comparing this to previous years, there has been a marked increase in both import volumes and values, signifying heightened demand and potential price escalations in the domestic market. For instance, in 2023, imports of unworked stones stood at 294. 366 kg valued at $43,451, showing a significant volume surge in 2024. Similarly, imports of further worked stones saw a moderate price increase from $97,829 in 2023 to $119,523 in 2024, despite a reduction in volume from 704,515.

84 carats to 442,357. 93 carats. The market"s direction suggests a strategic pivot towards enhancing value through further processing, as evidenced by the import and export of articles of precious stones, with exports reaching 734. 2 kg valued at $161,885 in 2024. These shifts indicate a robust domestic market adapting to global trends through increased sophistication in gemstone treatment and trading. Aritral, an AI-driven B2B platform, offers businesses opportunities to navigate this evolving landscape. With services such as Product Listing, Direct Communication, and AI-Powered Marketing, Aritral facilitates enhanced global sales and efficient profile management, helping traders and suppliers tap into the Philippines"s burgeoning gemstones market effectively. "