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
Russia Dominates 2025 Diamond Production Value For Third Consecutive Year
Recovers 31.5 Million Carats Valued At $2.72 Billion (Averaging $86 Per Carat).
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.
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National News2 hours agoRapid Growth In Gold Loan Merits Continued Vigilance: RBI FSR
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International News1 hour agoBDB Committee Hosts Consul General of Italy at Bourse; Discussions Focus On Boosting Trade Between The Two Countries
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International News2 hours agoThe New Forever: Wedding Rings Rewritten For The Modern Couple – Verlas New York
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DiamondBuzz4 hours agoRussia Dominates 2025 Diamond Production Value For Third Consecutive Year
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