mmegi

Diamond slump causes P3 billion trade deficit

Wednesday, November 29, 2023 | 1090 Views |

Under pressure: Producers such as Debswana are hoping higher holiday season demand will clear the glut in the retail market and support a return to stable fundamentals next year

Diamond exports fell by about 61% in September, causing the country’s trade balance to break a six-month streak of surpluses and slip to a P3.9 billion deficit, Statistics Botswana figures show.

Diamond exports as recorded by the data agency, fell to P2.4 billion in September, from P6.2 billion in August, underlining the sharp drop in both demand and prices for the precious stones seen this year.

The country’s trade balance or the relationship between imports and exports of goods, was in surplus between March and August, held up generally by strong copper exports and the residual robust diamond performance from 2021 and 2022.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.

Diamonds

BCP eyes student vote revival

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | 2d ago

UB politics shapes future leaders

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | 2d ago

DIS officers seek tribunal authority over Magosi

Mpho Mokwape | 2d ago

DIS officers reject Magosi’s defence over P7.4m payout

Mpho Mokwape | 2d ago

DIS in P 1.5m employees money theft accusation

Innocent Selatlhwa | 2d ago

Botswana bets on gas mining boost for flagging economy

Sello Motseta | 2d ago

Mupane creditors grow uneasy as appeal drags on

Lewanika Timothy | 2d ago

UDC NEC to reconvene post leadership changes

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | 2d ago

Botswana must not be a flag of convenience for rogues

‘A man’s country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers, and woods, but it is a principle and patriotism is loyalty to that principle’.- George William CurtisAccording to the report carried in this publication, the fraudsters operating the so-called “dark fleet” have selected Botswana’s flag as their cover of choice. This is a direct assault on our country’s most valuable asset, the good name.For decades, Botswana has...

Mmegi Editor | 10 April 2026

About us

Mmegi is the leading independent source of breaking news, latest news, current
affairs, Politics, Business, Sport, debates, analysis, and entertainment news in Botswana.

Explore

More

Diamond slump causes P3 billion trade deficit

Diamond exports fell by about 61% in September, causing the country’s trade balance to break a six-month streak of surpluses and slip to a P3.9 billion deficit, Statistics Botswana figures show.

BCP eyes student vote revival

UB politics shapes future leaders

DIS officers seek tribunal authority over Magosi

DIS officers reject Magosi’s defence over P7.4m payout

DIS in P 1.5m employees money theft accusation

Botswana bets on gas mining boost for flagging economy

Mupane creditors grow uneasy as appeal drags on

UDC NEC to reconvene post leadership changes

Botswana must not be a flag of convenience for rogues