International News
India US reportedly edging towards trade deal, could remove 50 per cent tariff on natural diamonds
India and the US are reportedly edging towards a trade deal that could wipe out the 50 per cent tariff on natural diamonds. Sergio Gor, the new US ambassador to India, said both sides were actively engaged on trade deal negotiations during his trip to Delhi on January 12, 2026 – just days after arriving in India.Recent diplomatic developments between India and the United States suggest significant progress toward a comprehensive trade agreement that could eliminate the current 50% tariff on natural diamonds.
The United States has imposed reciprocal tariffs on Indian diamond imports as part of broader trade tensions. These tariffs were initially set at 25% before being increased to 50%, representing a punitive measure designed to address trade imbalances and encourage bilateral negotiations.
India dominates the global diamond cutting and polishing industry, processing approximately 90% of the world’s diamonds by volume. The US represents India’s largest export market for cut and polished diamonds, making this tariff particularly damaging to Indian manufacturers and the broader diamond supply chain.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has signaled active engagement in trade negotiations during his early January 2026 visit to Delhi. His comments emphasize the personal relationship between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi as a foundation for resolving trade differences. The scheduling of negotiators’ calls and the ambassador’s public statements suggest both governments view a trade deal as achievable in the near term.
Notably, Gor has pushed back against suggestions that India is responsible for delays in negotiations, indicating that both sides share responsibility for moving talks forward constructively.
De Beers leadership has expressed optimism about tariff elimination. Al Cook’s statement that negotiated deals would result in 0% tariffs on natural diamonds provides concrete evidence that diamond tariffs are specifically addressed in ongoing discussions. His meetings with Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal further demonstrate that diamond trade is a priority topic at the highest levels of government.
Potential Implications
For Indian Diamond Manufacturers: Tariff elimination would restore competitiveness in the US market, potentially recovering the lost export volume documented by De Beers. Indian cutting and polishing operations could resume normal production levels and recapture market share that may have shifted to alternative suppliers or remained with rough diamonds during the tariff period.
For US Retailers and Consumers: Lower import costs would translate to reduced retail prices or improved margins for jewelers. Consumer demand could increase as diamond jewelry becomes more affordable, potentially stimulating the broader luxury goods market.
For Global Diamond Supply Chain: Normalized trade flows between India and the US would stabilize the diamond pipeline, reducing uncertainty for miners, manufacturers, and retailers. De Beers and other mining companies would benefit from restored demand for rough diamonds as Indian processors increase production.
For Competitors: Diamond manufacturing centers in other countries that may have gained temporary advantages during the tariff period could face renewed competition from lower-cost Indian producers.
Risk Factors
While progress appears genuine, several risks remain. Trade negotiations are complex and subject to political considerations beyond the diamond industry. Unexpected diplomatic tensions, domestic political pressures in either country, or disputes over non-diamond trade issues could derail or delay an agreement.
Additionally, the timeline for implementation remains unclear. Even if negotiators reach an agreement in principle, the administrative process of reducing tariffs may take months, prolonging uncertainty for businesses making inventory and investment decisions.
The convergence of diplomatic statements from the US ambassador, industry assessments from De Beers leadership, and high-level governmental engagement suggests a genuine possibility that India-US trade negotiations will successfully eliminate diamond tariffs. The business case for such an outcome is compelling given the documented damage to trade flows and the relative simplicity of the diamond tariff issue compared to broader trade complexities.
However, stakeholders should maintain measured expectations and prepare for multiple scenarios while negotiations continue. The difference between diplomatic progress and finalized agreements can be substantial, and businesses must balance optimism with prudent risk management until a deal is formally concluded and implemented.
International News
Vicenzaoro September 2026 Closes With Stronger International Footprint
The Five-Day Trade Show Recorded A 4% Increase In Total Visitors Compared With The September 2025 Edition, While International Attendance Rose By 9%.
Vicenzaoro September 2026 concluded on 8 September with further growth in visitor traffic and international participation, reinforcing its position as a key global meeting point for the jewellery, gemstones, precious metals and technology industries. Organised by Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), the five-day trade show recorded a 4% increase in total visitors compared with the September 2025 edition, while international attendance rose by 9%.
The edition marked the first major presentation of the expanded Vicenza Expo Centre following the opening of the new Hall 2. The upgraded infrastructure, combined with the show’s Boutique Show format, brought the jewellery supply chain together under one roof—from manufacturing technologies and machinery at T.Gold to finished jewellery, gemstones, packaging and related services.
International attendance reaches new markets

Vicenzaoro attracted visitors from 136 foreign countries, a 4% increase compared with September 2025. Attendance from Europe grew by 9%, while non-European participation also rose by 9%, reaching 91 countries. Visitors from the United States increased by 2%.
The largest international visitor groups came from:
- The United Kingdom.
- Germany.
- China.
- India.
- Romania.
- Switzerland.
- Spain.
- Denmark.
- Colombia.
- Belgium.
The strongest growth in visitor numbers was recorded from South Korea, Singapore, Kuwait, South Africa, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Indonesia, Cyprus and Saudi Arabia.
India’s presence among the top five international visitor markets underlines the importance of the country to Vicenzaoro’s global strategy and reflects the continued strength of business links between Italian manufacturers and the Indian jewellery trade.
“This growth confirms the work carried out during the transitional editions when construction of the new Hall 2 was underway,” said Matteo Farsura, head of IEG’s Jewellery & Fashion division. He noted that international attendance has risen steadily since September 2024 and, boosted by T.Gold, is now 12% higher despite an increasingly complex global environment.
MAECI and ICE programme delivers 910 buyers
The show’s international business programme, organised in collaboration with Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and the Italian Trade Agency, brought 700 hosted international buyers to Vicenza. A further 210 Italian buyers participated, taking the total number of hosted trade visitors to a record 910.
The buyers represented 73 countries and were reported to be 33% higher in number than at the September 2025 edition.
Farsura said the programme was designed not only to increase visitor numbers but also to identify buyers according to the profiles of exhibiting companies and the markets they serve. The network of approximately 70 Italian Trade Agency offices worldwide played a significant role in supporting the initiative.
New Hall 2 reshapes the exhibition
The opening of Hall 2 represented a significant milestone in IEG’s development of the Vicenza Expo Centre. The two-storey facility covers approximately 23,000 square metres and connects Halls 1, 3, 4 and 6, improving movement across the exhibition complex and creating a more integrated environment for exhibitors and visitors.
The expanded layout hosted 1,300 exhibiting brands from 40 countries, with international exhibitors accounting for 45% of the total. T.Gold, the specialised exhibition dedicated to jewellery manufacturing technologies and machinery, was brought inside the Expo Centre for the first time, strengthening the show’s ability to present the complete value chain in a single location.
In a period marked by uncertain demand, margin pressure and changing consumer expectations, the format enabled Vicenzaoro to combine commercial activity with a focus on innovation, production efficiency and future market trends.
CIBJO centenary adds global relevance
A major feature of the September edition was the centenary congress of CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation. Led by President Gaetano Cavalieri, CIBJO brings together the international jewellery industry around standards, nomenclature, responsible business practices and consumer confidence.
Held in Vicenza to mark the organisation’s 100th anniversary, the congress attracted more than 600 delegates, including representatives of luxury groups, mining companies, retailers, laboratories and other parts of the global supply chain.
The congress addressed several of the industry’s most pressing issues, including sustainability, market transparency, the classification of natural and laboratory-grown diamonds and coloured stones, and the need to strengthen consumer trust. Its presence further positioned Vicenzaoro as a forum where businesses, associations and institutions can discuss the structural changes shaping the jewellery sector.
Networking remains central to the show
Beyond its exhibition and sourcing functions, Vicenzaoro continued to emphasise the value of professional relationships. The event provided a platform for companies, buyers, institutions, associations and international industry leaders to exchange views and develop new commercial connections.
This networking-led approach has become one of the show’s defining characteristics, allowing business discussions to extend beyond individual transactions to wider conversations on market development, technology, distribution and consumer behaviour.
The September edition also featured the ninth edition of VO Vintage, which brought together 53 selected exhibitors specialising in vintage and modern jewellery and watches. The event, open to the general public, combined sales with an educational programme featuring expert speakers and initiatives aimed at strengthening interest in watchmaking culture.
Broad industry support
Vicenzaoro’s strategic partners include MAECI and the Italian Trade Agency. Its international partners are CIBJO, GJEPC India, the Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association and Francéclat.
National partners include Confindustria Federorafi, Confcommercio Federpreziosi, Confartigianato Orafi, CNA Orafi, Club degli Orafi Italia, Confimi Industria’s Gold and Silver Category, Assogemme, Assocoral and AFEMO. The regions of Sicily and Campania also participated as institutional representatives.
IEG’s jewellery calendar will continue with JGTD—Jewellery, Gems and Technology in Dubai—from 27 to 29 October 2026. Italy’s jewellery industry will meet next at the Valenza Gem Forum on 22 October and the Italian Jewellery Summit in Arezzo on 3 December.
The next edition of Vicenzaoro and T.Gold will take place from 15 to 19 January 2027, while VO Vintage is scheduled for 15 to 18 January 2027.
-
National News1 day agoLimelight Lab Grown Diamonds Inaugurates Showroom In Kalyan, Its 8th Exclusive Store MMR
-
BrandBuzz10 hours agoVerlas Introduces the ‘Alyssa’ Collection in India, Bringing Modern Luxe Floral-Inspired Design to Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Crafted in Fine Gold
-
DiamondBuzz9 hours agoBelgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever opens expanded HRD Antwerp laboratory in Mumbai
-
National News11 hours agoGold rebounds,Silver reclaims Rs 2.33 lakh mark

