DiamondBuzz
De Beers Sightholders report shortages of large diamonds
Rough diamonds above 5 carats were in tight supply at this week’s sight, customers reported, with explanations ranging from production cuts to ’ strategy of withholding supply. The February trading session saw stable prices in the vast majority of categories, as the miner maintained its policy of not flooding the market, insiders said this week.
The lack of large stones has puzzled some, since De Beers is reportedly sitting on $2 billion of inventories, its largest since the 2008 financial crisis. Many market insiders viewed it as a positive that these sizes were hard to find, reflecting that the categories had sold better in the past few sights. The resultant polished — mostly 2 carats and larger — has performed better in the recent downturn than 0.30- to 2 carat goods.
Some point to a tactical effort by De Beers to limit supply — either to protect the market or to reward sightholders that purchase less sought-after items.
SOURCE: RAPAPORT
DiamondBuzz
Botswana Says Stable Relationship With De Beers Vital to Diamond Recovery
Botswana Also Wanted to Move Further up the Diamond Value Chain, While Reducing its Economic Dependence on Diamonds Through Manufacturing, Energy, Agriculture, Tourism and Financial Services
Botswana Vice President and Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe said a stable relationship with De Beers was crucial to the recovery of the natural diamond market, warning that uncertainty over the partnership had created an opening for lab-grown diamonds.
Speaking at Chatham House on Sept. 17, Gaolathe said Botswana and De Beers had historically worked together during market downturns through rough-diamond stockpiling and marketing.
His comments come as Anglo American seeks to sell its 85% stake in De Beers. Botswana has signalled an interest in increasing its role in the diamond company.Gaolathe said, however, that Botswana’s ambitions went beyond simply increasing its ownership. After decades in the diamond industry, the country had developed expertise across the value chain,
Botswana currently owns 15% of De Beers, while Anglo American is seeking to sell its 85% stake. Botswana has indicated it wants a larger role but would not risk its finances simply to increase ownership, Gaolathe said.
He said Botswana also wanted to move further up the diamond value chain, while reducing its economic dependence on diamonds through manufacturing, energy, agriculture, tourism and financial services.
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