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
Botswana Says Stable Relationship With De Beers Vital to Diamond Recovery
Botswana Also Wanted to Move Further up the Diamond Value Chain, While Reducing its Economic Dependence on Diamonds Through Manufacturing, Energy, Agriculture, Tourism and Financial Services
Botswana Vice President and Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe said a stable relationship with De Beers was crucial to the recovery of the natural diamond market, warning that uncertainty over the partnership had created an opening for lab-grown diamonds.
Speaking at Chatham House on Sept. 17, Gaolathe said Botswana and De Beers had historically worked together during market downturns through rough-diamond stockpiling and marketing.
His comments come as Anglo American seeks to sell its 85% stake in De Beers. Botswana has signalled an interest in increasing its role in the diamond company.Gaolathe said, however, that Botswana’s ambitions went beyond simply increasing its ownership. After decades in the diamond industry, the country had developed expertise across the value chain,
Botswana currently owns 15% of De Beers, while Anglo American is seeking to sell its 85% stake. Botswana has indicated it wants a larger role but would not risk its finances simply to increase ownership, Gaolathe said.
He said Botswana also wanted to move further up the diamond value chain, while reducing its economic dependence on diamonds through manufacturing, energy, agriculture, tourism and financial services.
Botswana Says Stable Relationship With De Beers Vital to Diamond Recovery
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