An uncertain second half beckons for diamonds
Friday, July 12, 2024 | 310 Views |
Buzzing trade: The Las Vegas JCK Show is an important barometer of trends such as demand in the diamond industry PIC: MBONGENI MGUNI
As bad as the diamond numbers are, some analysts on the retail end of the spectrum are seeing some positive signs.
And the retail end is where the light is required. The slump that caused a 5.3% contraction in the economy this year, largely traces back to oversupply of diamonds in the retail market from early 2023.
Acting Agriculture Minister, Edwin Dikoloti, is right in saying opening an export-ready facility whilst Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is still spreading would risk getting the whole country blacklisted before a single carcass leaves the door.A ban like that would break the already stressed nation. So, the postponement, painful as it is, is the right thing to do. The local economy is being squeezed from both ends. FMD has already slammed the door...