International News
Zambia Lifts 15% Export Duty on Precious Gemstones
Gemfields Group Limited has expressed strong support for the Zambian government’s decision to suspend the 15% export duty on precious gemstones and metals, a move expected to significantly boost the country’s emerald industry. The suspension, announced by Zambia’s Minister of Finance, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, is effective immediately, meaning the duty will no longer apply to emeralds mined by Kagem Mining Limited. The company is majority-owned by Gemfields (75%) with the remaining 25% held by Zambia’s Industrial Development Corporation.
Gemfields CEO, Sean Gilbertson, lauded the government’s swift action, stating, “We express our sincere thanks to President Hakainde Hichilema’s government for their prompt and impressive action in addressing the 15% export duty on precious gemstones. The Zambian emerald sector has experienced exceptional growth over the past 16 years and is now the world’s largest emerald exporter. This decision signals a clear commitment to fostering growth and job creation in Zambia, putting our industry back on track for continued success.”
International News
JA Lobbies For Exemptions As US Threatens 100% Tariffs
To Shield The Supply Chain, JA Is Petitioning Washington To Place Diamonds, Gemstones, and Pearls On The U.S. Annex II List, Which Designates Products Eligible For Duty-Free Entry Into The United States.
– Jewelers of America (JA) has intensified its lobbying efforts in Washington to secure sweeping tariff exemptions for diamonds, gemstones, and pearls, as new legislation opens the door to potential 100% duties on imports from major trade partners including India.
The industry group sent a delegation of executives and members to Capitol Hill on Sept. 15 for its annual “Fly-In” event, pressing lawmakers to safeguard the trade from broad trade penalties aimed at supporters of Russia’s energy sector.
The delegation, led by JA President and Chief Executive David J. Bonaparte, met with key lawmakers, including Senators Dick Durbin and Susan Collins and Representatives Jim Jordan and Dave Joyce.
The increased lobbying push coincided with Congress weighing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. Passed by the House of Representatives on Sept. 16 and signed into law by President Donald Trump on Sept. 18, the legislation grants executive authority to levy tariffs of up to 100% on the five largest buyers of Russian oil and natural gas, as well as top facilitators of sanctions evasion.
India, a primary global hub for diamond cutting and polishing, is among the top buyers of Russian crude and faces potential exposure under the law’s discretionary tariff authority.
To shield the supply chain, JA is petitioning Washington to place diamonds, gemstones, and pearls on the U.S. Annex II list, which designates products eligible for duty-free entry into the United States.
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