International News
US jewellers warn Congress of harm from new sanctions on Russian diamonds
US jewellers have warned Congress of the harm that new sanctions on Russian diamonds will cause for the entire retail sector.
The trade association Jewelers of America (JA) met with a dozen Democratic and Republican lawmakers in both the House and Senate to voice concerns over the 1 September restrictions that will require all goods of 0.50-scts and above to enter G7 countries via Antwerp for verification.
JA said it continues to staunchly support efforts that will keep diamonds of Russian origin out of the supply chain, including the more stringent U.S. Customs and Border Patrol requirements that went into effect on 1st March. However, the proposed adoption of an exclusive physical verification and certification system in Belgium for all rough diamonds would cause maximum damage to the global diamond and jewellery supply chain, while having minimal effect on Russia’s diamond revenues.
They say a single import channel will “cause maximum damage to the global diamond and jewelry supply chain, while having minimal effect on Russia’s diamond revenues”.
JA is urging all its members to lobby Congress and explain that the way the restrictions are being implemented will hurt jewellery businesses.
“JA has been working tirelessly behind the scenes and this visit to Washington, D.C. was a critical step to ensure we minimize unnecessary disruptions to the U.S. diamond industry,” said JA president & CEO David J. Bonaparte.
International News
US Holiday Shopping Expected To Top $1 Trillion For The First Time: NRF
While Overall Buying Power Remains High, Ongoing Inflation and Rising Household Costs Mean Some Families Will Have To Watch Their Spending More Carefully Than Others
The National Retail Federation (NRF) predicts Americans will spend $1.01 trillion on holiday shopping in November and December. That is a 4.2% jump from $972 billion last year.
NRF said its forecast was based on economic modeling that incorporates consumer spending, employment, wages and historical retail sales data. It excludes automobile, gasoline and restaurant sales
Extra Hiring: To handle the surge in shoppers, stores plan to hire 325,000 to 375,000 temporary holiday workers.
Mixed Budget Impact: Higher gas prices and inflation could still strain some family budgets, affecting low- and high-income shoppers differently.
Retailers expect a strong shopping season because people continue to make holiday spending a priority.
Store owners are ready to attract shoppers by offering competitive prices, deals, and choices for every budget.
While overall buying power remains high, ongoing inflation and rising household costs mean some families will have to watch their spending more carefully than others.
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