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Namibia’s Finance Minister Calls for Economic Diversification as Diamond Sector Weakens

Minister Shafudah Foresees Modest Growth for 2025 Amid Diamond Revenue Decline and Urges Focus on Alternative Sectors

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In her recent budget speech, Namibia’s Finance Minister, Ericah Shafudah, emphasized the urgent need for economic diversification as the country faces continued challenges in its diamond sector. She forecasted only 4.5% growth for 2025, a downward revision from the previously projected 5.4%. The diamond industry, which contributes about 10% of Namibia’s GDP, has been facing several headwinds, including weak global demand, particularly from key markets like China and the US, increased competition from Angola’s cheap rough supply, and the growing popularity of lab-grown diamonds.

The slump in the diamond sector has had a significant impact on domestic activities, with total revenue from diamonds halving in 2024. Debmarine Namibia, the joint venture between De Beers and the Namibian government, reported a 38% decline in its revenue last year. This decline has been reflected in the country’s tax revenues, with Namibia’s Revenue Agency (NamRA) forecasting a reduction of NAD 6 billion (approximately USD 330 million) for 2025.

Minister Shafudah’s speech highlighted the urgent need for diversification, with Namibia possessing exceptional solar energy potential, along with opportunities for growth in tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing. By focusing on these sectors, Namibia aims to reduce its reliance on diamonds and build a more resilient economy capable of withstanding fluctuations in global commodity markets.

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International News

Signet The Biggest-Grossing Jeweller In North America By Far In 2025

Luxury Groups, Specialist Watch Retailers, and Branded Jewellery Players Are Steadily Gaining Ground Against Traditional Mass-Market and Department-Store Operators

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National Jeweler’s latest State of the Majors report highlights a shifting leaderboard among North America’s “$100M supersellers,” which grew from 36 to 37 qualifying retailers in 2025. While Signet Group comfortably defended its first-place crown—generating $6.36 billion across 2,329 stores—the rest of the top ten saw major disruption. Signet’s total watch and jewelry sales for the year were $6.36 billion according to the report and had 2,329 outlets. Second-placed Richemont, the Swiss luxury conglomerate, sold  $3.62 billion, with just 105 locations selling watches and jewlery.             

One of the report’s most notable developments was the rise of Richemont to the No. 2 position, overtaking several larger-format retailers. The Swiss luxury conglomerate, owner of prestigious maisons including Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, reported $3.62 billion in watch and jewellery sales through only 105 locations. The performance illustrates the outsized revenue-generating power of luxury retail, with Richemont achieving high productivity per store compared with mass-market competitors.

The reshuffling pushed Walmart down to fourth place, signaling a broader shift in consumer spending toward premium and luxury jewellery categories. Meanwhile, warehouse retailer Costco advanced to No. 5, continuing to strengthen its position in fine jewellery through value-led offerings and member-driven purchasing.

Jewellery brand Pandora also climbed one rank to secure the No. 7 spot, reflecting sustained demand for branded jewellery collections and accessible luxury products. In contrast, luxury powerhouse LVMH slipped to No. 6, while longstanding department store chain Macy’s moved down to eighth place, highlighting increased competitive pressures within traditional retail channels.

Another significant change came at the lower end of the top ten, where Watches of Switzerland Group entered the rankings at No. 10, marking growing momentum for specialist luxury watch retail in North America. Its entry displaced Bucherer to No. 11, emphasizing the increasingly competitive nature of premium watch distribution.

The report points to a broader transformation in North America’s jewellery retail hierarchy, where luxury groups, specialist watch retailers, and branded jewellery players are steadily gaining ground against traditional mass-market and department-store operators. While scale remains a decisive advantage—as demonstrated by Signet’s market leadership—the rankings suggest profitability and influence are increasingly being driven by premium positioning, brand equity, and high-value transactions rather than store count alone.

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