Diamond Market Update (March 8, 2012)

By Michelle Smith — Exclusive to Diamond Investing News

Traders in many markets, including the US, India, and China, are still displaying cautious attitudes, and many are avoiding large inventory purchases. However, rough diamond sales appear to be improving slightly. Currently, one of the healthiest areas of demand seems to be small diamonds from 0.5 to 1.5 carats and SI clarity. Global retail demand is steady, but the market is seeing some softness for one carat polished goods.

Preliminary Bank of Botswana data show that the nation’s diamond industry has seen a significant slowdown, to the tune of a 67 percent drop in exports for January compared to January 2011. That is a level not seen since the economy went through a recession in 2009.