DiamondBuzz
US Jewellery Industry faces $117 Billion threat amid proposed diamond tariffs
The World Diamond Council (WDC), representing the global natural diamond value chain, has raised concerns over proposed U.S. tariffs that could place the $117 billion American jewellery industry at significant risk. In a formal appeal, the WDC urged the U.S. Administration to exempt natural diamonds (HS Codes 7102.10 and 7102.31) from the ongoing tariff review and include them in Annex II, citing their critical role in the nation’s economic and manufacturing sectors.
Natural diamonds, though not produced in the U.S., are essential to the health of the domestic jewellery market — a sector supporting over 200,000 American jobs and generating over $91.5 billion in annual sales. The combined impact of jewellery manufacturing and exports adds another $25.5 billion to the economy each year.
The WDC warns that tariffs on natural diamonds would effectively act as a consumption tax, raising prices on popular items like engagement rings and anniversary jewellery, placing additional financial strain on American families. Retailers are already experiencing inventory concerns, with inflationary pressures beginning to impact consumer prices.
“A tariff would destabilize the supply chain, weaken U.S. manufacturing competitiveness, and increase costs for consumers,” said Feriel Zerouki, President of the World Diamond Council. “We support the U.S. Government’s goal of fair trade, but urge an exemption for natural diamonds to protect jobs, competitiveness, and consumer access.”
The United States is the world’s largest consumer of natural diamond jewellery. The WDC emphasized that continued access to these goods is vital to preserving the innovation, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship that define the American jewellery industry.
WDC members are actively engaging with U.S. officials, calling for a collaborative resolution that supports fair trade without undermining one of America’s most valuable consumer markets.
DiamondBuzz
Anglo American Advances De Beers Separation Amid Challenging Diamond Market
Anglo American Emphasized That The De Beers Carve-Out Remains A “Central Pillar” Of Its Transformation Plans
Anglo American plc has confirmed steady progress in separating its iconic diamond subsidiary, De Beers Group, as part of a broader portfolio restructuring amid persistently subdued market conditions. This development underscores the mining giant’s strategic pivot away from diamonds toward higher-margin commodities.
In its Annual General Meeting (AGM) address, Anglo American emphasized that the De Beers carve-out remains a “central pillar” of its transformation plans, running parallel to divestments in steelmaking coal and nickel assets. In a year characterized by volatile markets and slow economic recovery in China, and with weaker iron ore prices and cyclically low diamond prices, Anglo American delivered a stable operating and financial performance.
Post-exit, Anglo American plans to refocus on premium segments like copper, high-quality iron ore, and crop nutrients, effectively shedding exposure to the cyclical diamond trade. Production guidance for De Beers holds steady at 21-26 million carats for 2026, with output adjustments aligned to prevailing demand.
While specific timelines for completion remain undisclosed, Anglo American anticipates providing further updates throughout 2026 as the sale process unfolds. This move signals deepening structural shifts in the global diamond supply chain, potentially reshaping rough diamond availability and pricing dynamics for Indian polishers and exporters.
With natural diamond prices under pressure from lab-grown alternatives and softening luxury demand—exacerbated by China’s uneven recovery—Anglo’s exit may prompt consolidated output cuts, stabilizing rough prices in the medium term but challenging mid-tier producers reliant on consistent volumes.
Stakeholders await clarity on potential buyers, with speculation centering on strategic investors or sovereign funds eyeing long-term diamond assets.
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