Diamond prices reach pre-recession level

In a positive development for Botswana which traditionally relies on diamond export revenues, prices of rough diamond have recovered significantly and are now at the pre-recession levels.

In a recent letter sent to its sightholders ahead of the all-important Las Vegas JCK show in June, the Diamond Trading Company says rough diamond prices have impressively recovered to the early 2008 levels while demand has also grown by almost 200 percent in the 2010 first quarter, compared to the same period last year.

The Las Vegas show is the jewellery industry's premiere trade show where the jewellery industry comes together each year. "After an unprecedented year for the diamond industry in which diamond demand and sales were dramatically affected, we are seeing clear signs of recovery and after a slightly better-than-expected Christmas buying period, there have been good levels of restocking reported throughout the first quarter," the letter reads.

Editor's Comment
FMD crisis: We must fight as one

That should concern every Motswana. The implications extend far beyond cattle and farmers. Botswana’s beef industry is a critical pillar of the economy, supporting thousands of households and sustaining businesses along the value chain.The loss of access to lucrative export markets has already demonstrated how quickly an animal-health crisis can become an economic crisis.This is, therefore, not the time for complacency, blame, or political...

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