Diamond trade looks at direct sourcing of roughs from producers
Our Corporate
Bureau
13 June 2007
Mumbai:
India, the world''s largest importer of rough diamonds, has started buying diamonds
directly from Russia, with an eye on sourcing from other producing countries as
well to secure long-term supplies and save on purchase costs. India
buys around $8 billion worth of diamonds annually, almost all of which are exported
after polishing and cutting. Most of the diamonds are bought directly from companies
such as De Beers and Rio Tinto. Reports
quoting officials at the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) said
the importers are ready to buy up to $1 billion worth of diamonds annually from
Russia. Russia
lifted a system of long-term export quotas early this year and allowed unlimited
exports of uncut diamonds, the platinum group metals and other precious metals
and ores, subject to a licence from the economy ministry. Russia
accounts for more than 20 per cent of global diamond production, most of which
is mined in Siberia. Contracting
diamond roughs from Russia was important to the Indian industry as buying directly
was cheaper by 4 to 5 per cent than buying from a trading house, Also, De Beers,
the main supplier of diamonds, has agreed that it will phase out purchases from
Alrosa by 2009.