International News
GIA Suspends Acceptance of Overseas Submissions Requiring US Shipment
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has temporarily suspended the acceptance of goods at its international laboratories that require shipping to the US for services. This decision comes in response to new tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration.
In a recent communication to clients, GIA advised customers outside the US to refrain from sending items directly to its American labs for grading or other services. The institute explained that a baseline 10% tariff now applies to all goods imported into the US, with additional duties imposed on items from countries such as India, South Africa, and Thailand starting April 9. These tariffs affect gems sent for laboratory services, even if they are not intended for sale.
“There is a baseline 10% tariff on goods being imported into the US,” the GIA explained. “Additional tariffs for products from specific countries, including India, South Africa, Thailand and others, will begin on April 9. These tariffs will apply to gems being shipped to a GIA laboratory in the US, even if only for laboratory services and not for sale.”
The US recently implemented steep “reciprocal” tariffs, including a 27% import duty on Indian goods and 20% on those from the EU. While a Temporary Importation Under Bond (TIB) provision exists to exempt goods not for sale, industry experts have cast doubt on its applicability, asserting there are no valid exemptions for imported goods.
GIA acknowledged the potential confusion caused by these regulatory changes and urged clients to ensure compliance with US import laws. The organization is assessing the situation and considering operational adjustments to maintain service continuity at its international labs. Meanwhile, clients are responsible for any tariff charges incurred when shipping to GIA’s US locations, based on the country where the diamond was substantially transformed.
International News
Dubai Records Highest-Ever Diamond Trade In 2025
Natural Diamonds Continued To Dominate The Market, Contributing US$39.9 billion, Or 96% Of Dubai’s Total Diamond Trade Value In 2025.
Dubai achieved a record performance in its diamond trade in 2025, reaching its highest-ever levels in both value and volume, according to the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC).
The total value of diamond imports and exports increased 16% year-on-year to US$41.7 billion, up from US$35.8 billion in 2024. Trade volume also surged 43% to 359.5 million carats, marking the first time Dubai has recorded all-time highs in both value and physical volume.
DMCC CEO Ahmed Bin Sulayem said the strong performance reflects Dubai’s long-term strategy of building a transparent, connected, and efficient global hub for the diamond trade. Since 2020, diamond trade through Dubai has doubled in volume and grown nearly 140% in value.
Natural diamonds continued to dominate the market, contributing US$39.9 billion, or 96% of Dubai’s total diamond trade value in 2025.
Trade in rough diamonds reached 205.2 million carats, the second-highest volume on record and around 34% higher than in 2024. The value of natural polished diamond trade rose nearly 25% to US$18.7 billion. Since 2020, the value of natural polished diamond trade through Dubai has increased by 246%.
Over the past decade, Dubai’s overall diamond trade has grown 63% in value and 44% in volume, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s leading diamond trading centres.
The emirate also recorded strong growth in other precious stones. Coloured gemstone trade climbed 48% to a record US$1.1 billion, supported by a 69% increase in imports and a 34% rise in exports. Meanwhile, synthetic and industrial diamonds accounted for around 39% of the total diamond trade volume in 2025.
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