The country’s gold imports fell by 36.48 per cent to $3.53 billion in November this year on account of sluggish global prices. The world’s second-biggest gold consumer had imported gold worth $5.57 billion in the same month last year. Data released by the Commerce Ministry showed that import of both gold and silver has declined in value terms in November this year. Even the overseas purchase of pearls, precious and semi-precious stones has taken a hit. Silver imports declined by over 55 per cent to $285.01 million in November this year from $643.71 million in the year-ago period.