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
Antwerp Records First Global Tender Of Fully Traceable Artisanal Diamonds From DRC
OrigemA Initiative Opens International Market Access For Small-Scale Miners, Promoting Transparency, Fair Pricing and Responsible Sourcing Across The DRC’s Artisanal Diamond Sector.
In a landmark development for the diamond industry, a parcel of fully traceable artisanal rough diamonds from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been sold internationally for the first time, highlighting growing efforts to strengthen responsible sourcing and improve market opportunities for artisanal mining communities.
The 103.77-carat parcel, sourced from the Kasai region, was presented through a public tender in Antwerp organised by Bonas-Couzyn under the OrigemA project. The initiative was launched in 2022 through a collaboration between the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), the DRC Ministry of Mines, NGO Resolve, and technology partner Everledger, with support from Belgium’s Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs.
The OrigemA programme currently works with six mining cooperatives across the Kasai and Kasai-Central provinces, supporting an ecosystem that provides livelihoods to nearly three million people. The inaugural parcel, valued at approximately US$6,000, originated from the Kamana Ndeke mine and was produced by the COMIDIANZ cooperative.
According to Karen Rentmeesters, CEO of AWDC, the initiative was designed to tackle longstanding barriers faced by artisanal miners in the DRC. She noted that many cooperatives have historically struggled to access international buyers, often preventing them from receiving fair market value for their production.
Belgium’s Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot revealed that the country’s Peacebuilding Fund had invested €200,000 in the project. He described the Antwerp sale as a significant achievement for both the OrigemA programme and the COMIDIANZ cooperative, marking an important step in connecting artisanal producers with global markets.
Beyond market access, the project has also focused on improving mining standards. To date, around 450 miners have received training in safe and sustainable mining practices, while participating sites have benefited from initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity and operational efficiency.
With the DRC estimated to account for nearly 70% of global artisanal diamond production, programmes such as OrigemA are expected to play a vital role in strengthening transparency, supporting local communities, and creating a more inclusive and responsible diamond supply chain.
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