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 Sale Nearing Final Stage: Al Cook
Potential Buyers Are Understood To Include A Consortium Comprising African Governments and Private-Sector Investors
The long-awaited sale of De Beers appears to be entering its final phase, with Chief Executive Officer Al Cook indicating that a transaction could be completed within weeks.
Cook said the divestiture process is “closer than it has ever been” and expressed confidence that a deal would be concluded sooner rather than later.
According to Cook, negotiations have been extensive and the process has now reached a critical stage. Potential buyers are understood to include a consortium comprising African governments and private-sector investors.
Botswana, which currently holds a 15 percent stake in De Beers, has shown interest in increasing its participation, alongside Angola and Namibia. Several commercially focused investment groups are also reportedly evaluating opportunities.
The sale comes as De Beers continues to grapple with challenging market conditions. Weak global demand for natural diamonds has prompted cost-cutting measures, including plans to reduce annual overheads by approximately $100 million. Parent company Anglo American has repeatedly written down the value of the diamond business amid declining sales and rising inventories.
According to Anglo American’s 2025 financial report released in February 2026, De Beers’ enterprise value has fallen to $2.3 billion, a sharp decline from $9.2 billion in 2023.
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