The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) reported a nearly 20% increase in total diamond trading volume for the first quarter of 2026, driven by a 35.7% surge in rough diamond imports.
While rough diamond prices fell 27% to $72 per carat, polished diamond prices showed signs of recovery, rising 11.6%.
AWDC chief executive Karen Rentmeesters attributed the positive evolution to structural measures introduced in 2025, including a more efficient visa policy and recognition of diamond cutters as a shortage occupation.
Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have also reinforced a trend among companies to seek a stable base, such as Antwerp.
Below are excerpts taken from an AWDC statement sent to Rough & Polished last Friday.
How much did the total volume of diamonds traded in Antwerp grow in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year?
The total volume of diamonds traded in Antwerp increased by nearly 20% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year.
What was the percentage increase in the volume of rough diamond imports in Q1 2026?
The import of rough diamonds in particular saw strong growth, with a 35.7% increase in volume.
What was the growth in total trade value for the Antwerp diamond hub in Q1 2026?
The trading hub recorded growth of 3.7%.
When did you start noticing a turnaround in Antwerp’s diamond sector?
The first signs of a cautious turnaround in Antwerp’s diamond sector had already been visible since the summer of 2025. The decline slowed noticeably in the second half of the year, and growth was recorded again for the first time in December 2025. This positive trend clearly continued and strengthened in the first quarter of 2026.
What specific structural measures introduced in 2025 have contributed to the positive evolution?
The strategic and fruitful cooperation with the Flemish, Belgian and European authorities, whose commitment reflects a clear recognition of the sector’s strategic importance. In addition, there is the introduction of a clear and more efficient visa policy, which facilitates access for foreign traders to temporary residence visas, and the recognition of diamond cutters and sorters as shortage occupations, together with the simplified procedure for hiring specialised foreign workers, which has been in force since 1 January.
How are geopolitical tensions in the Middle East fueling this recovery in Antwerp's diamond sector?
Geopolitical tensions, such as unrest in the Middle East, also play a role. They reinforce an existing trend whereby companies seek greater flexibility and, in some cases, choose a stable base such as Antwerp—a choice made possible by [the] structural measures.
How have rough diamond prices changed in the first quarter of 2026, and what were the comparative figures?
In the first quarter of 2026, the price of rough diamonds fell by 27%, from $99 per carat in the same period in 2025 to $72 per carat.
What are the main causes for the decline in rough diamond prices?
The sharply reduced demand for polished diamonds in recent years [was] partly due to the growing popularity of synthetic diamonds (especially in the United States) and the significant inventories that remained with traders after the peak in 2022.
What has been the recent trend in polished diamond prices, and why is it considered a positive signal?
Prices for polished diamonds appear to be gradually recovering: compared to the first quarter of 2025, they increased by 11.6%. As the price of rough diamonds is largely determined by the expected yield of the polished diamonds produced from them, this is a positive signal.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor-In-Chief, Rough & Polished
