International News
Rio Tinto Unveils Rare 158ct Yellow Diamond from Diavik Mine in Canada
One of the largest gem-quality yellow diamonds ever discovered in Canada, the 158.20-carat gem is a remarkable find as Diavik Mine nears closure.
Rio Tinto has uncovered a rare and exceptional 158.20-carat yellow diamond at its Diavik Mine in Canada, marking one of the largest gem-quality yellow diamonds ever found in the country. This stunning discovery is also among only five yellow diamonds weighing over 100 carats to be unearthed by the company at Diavik throughout its 22-year history. Notably, Diavik is primarily known for producing white diamonds, with less than 1% of its output being yellow stones.
The Diavik Mine, which is set to close next year, is also responsible for several significant yellow diamond finds, including Canada’s largest yellow diamond, a 552.74-carat gem discovered in 2018, and the 187.7-carat Diavik Foxfire found in 2015.
With the closure of the Argyle mine in Australia in 2020, Diavik is now Rio Tinto’s sole diamond asset. Patrick Coppens, General Manager of Sales and Marketing for Rio Tinto’s diamond business, expressed excitement over the unique beauty and purity of the Diavik diamonds, eagerly anticipating the future of this extraordinary find.
International News
AGTA appeals US Government to Scrap 10% Import Tariff on Gemstones
Trade body seeks exemption for coloured gemstones under new temporary tariff regime, with potential implications for diamonds.
The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has formally appealed to the US government to remove the newly imposed 10% global import tariff on gemstones, and potentially diamonds, warning of its impact on the trade.
The tariff was announced on February 20 after the US Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). In response, the administration introduced a temporary 10% import surcharge under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. The measure will remain in effect for 150 days unless Congress votes to extend it, though further tariff mechanisms have not been ruled out.
AGTA has submitted a formal request to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), urging that precious and semiprecious coloured gemstones be added to the exception list under Annex I or Annex II. The association argued that these stones are not mined domestically in the US and therefore should qualify for exemption.
Previously, AGTA’s lobbying efforts contributed to diamonds and gemstones being included in Annex III — a list of products eligible for potential exemption from duties for “aligned” countries. This had placed Indian diamonds and gemstones on track for relief following a prospective US-India trade agreement. However, it remains unclear whether Annex III provisions apply under the new tariff framework that recently took effect.
If the across-the-board exemption request is denied, AGTA has asked the USTR to confirm whether Annex III remains a viable pathway for country-specific tariff relief on coloured gemstones.
While the current petition focuses on coloured gemstones, AGTA noted that trade experts believe any exemption granted in this category could effectively extend to diamonds, as seen in past trade agreements such as the US–European Union deal.
“We will continue to work tirelessly toward eliminating tariffs on gemstone imports into the US. We remain fully committed to this effort — giving up is not an option,” said AGTA President Bruce Bridges and CEO John Ford.
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