International News
Angola aims to increase annual production to 17.53m carats by 2027; become the world’s third largest rough producer.
Angola aims to increase annual diamond production to 17.53m carats by 2027, and to become the world’s third largest rough producer.It is forecasting a 50 per cent increase in diamond revenue this year from $1.4bn in 2024 to $2.1bn.
Angola has vast mineral wealth – including huge, unexplored diamond reserves – but the devastating civil war (1975 to 2002) has hampered its economic development.However, De Beers and Rio Tinto are now prospecting, and in November 2023 the new Luele (formerly known as Luaxe) mine opened. It will eclipse Catoca as the country’s biggest mine, and is expected to produce 6m carats annually.
As part of its National Development Plan 2023-2027, Angola plans to channel diamond mining revenues into food security, employment generation, and poverty reduction.It recovered 9.8m carats in 2023, maintaining its position as the world’s sixth biggest rough producer and was expected to produce up to 14.6 million carats in 2024.
International News
Middle East conflict halts India-UAE diamond trade
Industry leaders warn of prolonged caution in markets, with potential shifts to alternative routes like Hong Kong under scrutiny.
Iran has launched over 1,300 drones and 229 missiles at the UAE since February 28, 2026, in retaliation for US and Israeli strikes that killed over 1,000 people, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. UAE air defenses intercepted most threats, but the attacks caused 3 deaths and 112 injuries, with debris damaging civilian areas.
Trade Dependencies
The UAE supplies more than two-thirds of India’s rough diamond imports, making it the dominant source for the country’s diamond processing industry. India, in turn, provides over 90% of the UAE’s polished diamond imports, underscoring the bilateral trade’s critical role in global diamond flows.
Logistics Breakdown
Nearly all flights between India and the UAE stand cancelled amid the conflict, except limited repatriation services, crippling air cargo routes. Daily diamond export parcels—typically 400 to 500 from India to UAE—have stopped entirely due to airspace closures and flight suspensions.
Industry Impact
Exports and imports from the Middle East have ground to a standstill, with no logistics available to move goods,
The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), hub of the Dubai Diamond Exchange, shifted to remote operations and declined further comment on disruptions.
Broader Implications
The Middle East accounts for nearly a quarter of India’s $30 billion annual gems and jewellery exports, amplifying the economic fallout for Mumbai’s diamond trade ecosystem. Industry leaders warn of prolonged caution in markets, with potential shifts to alternative routes like Hong Kong under scrutiny.
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