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
Dubai Records Highest-Ever Diamond Trade In 2025
Natural Diamonds Continued To Dominate The Market, Contributing US$39.9 billion, Or 96% Of Dubai’s Total Diamond Trade Value In 2025.
Dubai achieved a record performance in its diamond trade in 2025, reaching its highest-ever levels in both value and volume, according to the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC).
The total value of diamond imports and exports increased 16% year-on-year to US$41.7 billion, up from US$35.8 billion in 2024. Trade volume also surged 43% to 359.5 million carats, marking the first time Dubai has recorded all-time highs in both value and physical volume.
DMCC CEO Ahmed Bin Sulayem said the strong performance reflects Dubai’s long-term strategy of building a transparent, connected, and efficient global hub for the diamond trade. Since 2020, diamond trade through Dubai has doubled in volume and grown nearly 140% in value.
Natural diamonds continued to dominate the market, contributing US$39.9 billion, or 96% of Dubai’s total diamond trade value in 2025.
Trade in rough diamonds reached 205.2 million carats, the second-highest volume on record and around 34% higher than in 2024. The value of natural polished diamond trade rose nearly 25% to US$18.7 billion. Since 2020, the value of natural polished diamond trade through Dubai has increased by 246%.
Over the past decade, Dubai’s overall diamond trade has grown 63% in value and 44% in volume, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s leading diamond trading centres.
The emirate also recorded strong growth in other precious stones. Coloured gemstone trade climbed 48% to a record US$1.1 billion, supported by a 69% increase in imports and a 34% rise in exports. Meanwhile, synthetic and industrial diamonds accounted for around 39% of the total diamond trade volume in 2025.
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International News11 hours agoDubai Records Highest-Ever Diamond Trade In 2025

