The World Diamond Council (WDC), the U.S. based organisation representing the international natural diamond value chain, acknowledges the U.S. Government’s emphasis on fair and reciprocal trade and advocates for policies that support strengthening American manufacturing to deliver tangible benefits to U.S. businesses, workers and consumers.
In this spirit, the WDC respectfully urges the U.S. Administration to consider granting a targeted exemption for natural diamonds (HS Codes 7102.10 and 7102.31) from proposed tariffs and to include them on the Annex II list.
Natural diamonds are not produced in the United States, but are vital to the health of the American jewellery industry, an essential contributor to the national economy.
The U.S. jewellery industry generates more than $117 billion in annual economic activity in America and supports over 200,000 American jobs.
U.S. jewellery sales total some $91.5 billion annually while domestic jewellery manufacturing and exports contribute around $15 billion and $10.5 billion respectively each year.
Around 193,000 Americans work in jewellery stores in communities all over the country with thousands more employed to support them.
A tariff on natural diamonds would put all of this at risk.
Tariffs on diamonds would function as a consumption tax, raising prices on engagement rings, anniversary gifts, and other jewellery purchased by American families. Retailers are already reporting concerns about inventory pressures, and the uncertainty is beginning to translate into higher prices for consumers.
An exemption for natural diamonds would help ensure stable supply chains, protect U.S. manufacturing competitiveness, and prevent added costs for American consumers.
The United States is the world’s largest consumer of natural diamond jewellery, and the U.S. jewellery industry, long known for its creativity, entrepreneurship, and craftsmanship, depends on continued access to these essential goods.
“We support President Trump’s drive for fair and reciprocal trade,” said World Diamond Council President Feriel Zerouki. “The current tariff review has highlighted the need for fair treatment across the board. Our members are united in calling on the U.S. Government to exempt natural diamonds and on governments around the world to support the exemption reciprocally, ensuring that trade policies support jobs, competitiveness, and consumers. The diamond industry is aligned, and our members are engaging directly with officials to support a positive resolution.”