DiamondBuzz
Diamond market roundup: Domestic and overseas demand increasing, Chinese buyers slowly returning
United States:Trading steady amid shortages in select categories. Market still memo-centric, with little inventory-buying. Retailers seeking 2.50 to 2.99 ct., F-H, VS-SI, rounds and fancies with no center black, paying premiums due to goods’ scarcity. Melee in demand. US February inflation better than expected at 2.8%.
Belgium:Mood improving following Hong Kong show. Dealers cautiously optimistic, as goods are starting to move. Large stones in short supply. Belgium polished exports for February down 24% year on year at $783.7 million, with volume declining 20% to 297,700 cts.
Israel:Market sentiment more positive after dealers report sales of 3 ct. and larger diamonds at Hong Kong show. Low inventories supporting prices, with some price increases in fancy shapes.
India:Manufacturers reporting better Hong Kong show than anticipated, boosting market mood. Domestic and overseas demand increasing. Chinese buyers slowly returning, especially for small goods, but quantity of purchases still limited. Polished production remains low, supporting prices and sales.
Hong Kong:
Industry reflecting on show, which beat expectations but was slow relative to pre-pandemic times. Many Indian trade buyers. Dealers following up on sale leads. Fair attracted purchasers from around the world, but few Chinese clients present. Demand was very specific, with exhibitors holding prices firm amid high replacement costs.
DiamondBuzz
India LGD Sector Is Pushing Back Against Aggressive Discounting
Trade Body, Leadership Urged Traders and Brokers To Enforce Price Floors and Eliminate Undercutting.
India’s lab-grown diamond (LGD) sector is pushing back against aggressive discounting as shrinking margins squeeze manufacturers and erode industry profitability. At a September 7 meeting of the Surat Lab Grown Diamond Association, leadership urged traders and brokers to enforce price floors and eliminate undercutting.
Raw Price Shift: Polished LGD prices recently rebounded by 20% to 25%.
Discount Compression: In response to rising costs, traders scaled back buyer discounts from ~7% to a tighter 3%–4% range.
Margin Squeeze: Association President Babu Vaghani warned that uncontrolled discounting directly erodes manufacturer earnings, forcing wage cuts and destabilizing supply chain economics.
Industry Outlook
The sector faces a structural dilemma: lower consumer prices drive adoption, but severe price erosion starves manufacturers, polishers, and labor of viable margins.
Continued downward pressure is pushing skilled labor out of the market and forcing polishing units to explore alternative industries. Stabilization hinges on widespread compliance with pricing discipline across the Surat hub.
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