Russia maintained its lead in global rough diamond production value for the third year in a row in 2025, recovering 31.5 million carats valued at $2.72 billion (averaging $86 per carat).

Meanwhile, production in Botswana fell due to operational shutdowns at the Jwaneng and Orapa mines, resulting in 15.5 million carats worth $1.98 billion, though it achieved a higher average price of $128 per carat. Globally, the rough diamond market saw a contraction: overall output dropped 3% in value to $9.23 billion and 8% in volume to 98.8 million carats, driven by significant export declines from Russia, Canada, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho.

Global rough output fell 3% year on year to $9.23 billion. By volume, production dropped 8% to 98.8 million carats. Total imports slipped 8% by volume, while global exports declined 7%.

The dip in exports reflects a 1.8% slump in the number of carats exported from Russia, and a slide of 10% from Canada, 41% from Zimbabwe and 63% from Lesotho.