Despite this positive momentum, the picture remains mixed. International prices, especially for rough diamonds, continue to suffer. In the first quarter of 2026, the price of rough diamonds fell by 27%, dropping from $99 (84.45 euros) per carat to $72 (61.42 euros) year-on-year.
Overall, according to Ine Tassignon, the year 2025 was very challenging for the global diamond trade, not just in Antwerp. “The global demand for natural diamonds is currently historically low.” The spokesperson explains this is partly due to the competition from laboratory-grown synthetic diamonds, which cost between 15% and 50% less than mined diamonds.
In addition, there is the post-Covid catch-up effect. In 2022, an exceptional year, “consumers had savings and few travel opportunities, which led them to spend more on luxury products.” Traders then built up significant stocks.
The following year, demand dropped, recalls the spokesperson, and they were left with huge stocks that they have not yet sold. Therefore, they are not buying new natural diamonds.
“This combination – high stocks and low demand – made 2025 a very bad year. However, we believe that the bottom was reached in 2025 and the situation is now starting to improve,” the spokesperson concludes.
