How Geopolitics is Reshaping the Diamond Trade
Geopolitics is having a significant impact on the diamond trade, from US tariffs and sanctions on Russia-origin goods to tighter rules governing traceability and sustainability claims.
In the latest episode of Pressing Matters, Avi chats with Karen Rentmeesters, CEO of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre, discussing the changing role of trading centers as the diamond market adjusts to new regulatory demand, Russian sanctions and a smaller rough supply base. While sentiment has improved and polished trading has strengthened, Rentmeesters cautions that the recovery remains tentative, with Antwerp increasingly relying on polished goods as rough supply declines.
The podcast also examines the growing importance of traceability and the EU’s new rules on green marketing claims. She argues that traceability must be practical and affordable for smaller companies, while the new consumer-protection rules require marketers of both diamonds and synthetics to substantiate claims such as “sustainable,” “eco-friendly” and “carbon neutral.”
Watch the full discussion above.
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