DiamondBuzz
Israel Diamond Exchange quits WFDB amid tariff dispute
The Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE) has suspended its membership in the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB), citing dissatisfaction with the organisation’s conduct during the ongoing US import tariff crisis, Rapaport News reported.
In a letter to WFDB Secretary-General Rony Unterman on 8th April, the IDE board said the decision followed unanswered requests for information and actions that had harmed Israel’s diamond trade. IDE President Nissim Zuaretz told Rapaport the move was triggered by WFDB President Yoram Dvash’s comments in Calcalist, where he criticised country-specific lobbying and promoted a global strategy for tariff exemptions.
Zuaretz accused Dvash of trying to take credit for advocacy led by the World Diamond Council (WDC), potentially jeopardising Israel’s own efforts. Dvash denied the claims, telling Rapaport they were “untrue and frankly absurd,” and emphasised the WFDB’s ongoing collaboration with the WDC.
Zuaretz said the IDE would shift focus to partnerships with the WDC and the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA), while also saving over $29,000 in annual fees. Dvash described IDE’s withdrawal as “rash,” warning it could weaken global unity at a critical time for the industry.
DiamondBuzz
De Beers Cuts Diamond Production But Sees Sales Rise
The Main Reasons For The Drop Were Planned Repair Work In Botswana and Slower Operations At Its Venetia Mine In South Africa. Demand For Diamonds Grew In The US and India.
De Beers produced 11% fewer diamonds in the third quarter of 2026 compared to last year, bringing total production down to 6.8 million carats. The main reasons for the drop were planned repair work in Botswana and slower operations at its Venetia mine in South Africa before it temporarily pauses production for two years.
Despite lower production, overall diamond trading improved. Demand for diamonds grew in the US and India, and the market became better balanced. However, lab-made diamonds continued to hurt sales of cheaper natural diamonds.
Production Highlights by Country
Botswana: Down 20% to 4.8 million carats due to maintenance at the Orapa mine.
South Africa: Down 37% to 418,000 carats as the Venetia mine slowed down.
Namibia: Up 8% to 495,000 carats.
Canada: More than doubled to 1.06 million carats because the Gahcho Kué mine processed higher-quality ore.
On October 16, De Beers took full ownership of Canada’s Gahcho Kué mine after taking over its partner Mountain Province’s 49% share. Starting in the fourth quarter, De Beers will report all production from this mine on its own books. This will raise De Beers’ official production numbers, but it will not change the overall amount of diamonds in the world market.
Sales Revenue: Reached $731 million for the quarter, up 4% from $700 million last year.
Sales Volume: Nearly doubled to 8.7 million carats, up from 4.6 million carats a year ago.
Even though sales volume went up, the average price De Beers received per carat so far this year fell 37% to $97. This was caused by an 18% drop in overall rough diamond prices and the fact that De Beers sold a higher proportion of cheaper diamonds this year.
Because De Beers now owns 100% of the Gahcho Kué mine, it raised its full-year 2026 production target to 25–28 million carats (up from 21–26 million). It also lowered its expected production cost from $80 to about $70 per carat. The company said it will keep watching market demand and adjust its production as needed.
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