【Surat, India】Indian Diamond Makers Eye US Route Through Antwerp

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Editor’s Note

This article highlights a pivotal shift in the global diamond trade with the announcement of a zero percent US import tariff for diamonds polished in the EU. The move is set to strengthen Antwerp’s position as a key hub, while also presenting strategic opportunities for Indian manufacturers to leverage this gateway.

Indian diamond makers eye US route through Antwerp
Zero Percent US Import Tariff Announced

Surat: In a significant development in the global diamond trade, a zero percent US import tariff for diamonds polished in the European Union (EU) was announced on Wednesday. This is expected to prove to be a boost for Antwerp as a trading and polishing hub. Indian diamond manufacturers see an opportunity for routing polished diamonds through Antwerp, where the majority of the diamond manufacturing and trading companies have offices.

Details of the Trade Agreement

According to the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), the umbrella organisation for the Antwerp diamond industry, it succeeded in securing a zero percent import tariff for natural polished diamonds under the trade agreement between the European Commission and the US.

“This exemption is part of a US executive order, effective retroactively as of Monday, Sept 1, which grants tariff waivers to trade partners that conclude agreements covering industrial exports, including nickel, gold, other metals, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals,” AWDC said in a statement.
Significance for the Indian Diamond Industry

The US is India’s largest export market for gems and jewellery, accounting for over US$10 billion annually—nearly 30% of the industry’s total global trade. The cut and polished diamond segment alone sees half its exports headed to the US. The export-oriented diamond and jewellery manufacturing industry employs around 27 lakh workers in India.

Impact on Antwerp and Global Trade

AWDC further claims this means that diamonds of European origin – for example, polished in Antwerp – will no longer be subject to the standard 15% tariff but can instead be imported at 0% duty. This is a tremendous boost for the Antwerp diamond industry in general, and it will give Antwerp’s polishing sector a significant uplift. The breakthrough may also have a global impact, as it paves the way for other major diamond countries, such as India, to secure similar favourable tariffs.

“For goods of European origin – polished in Antwerp – which account for half of all polished diamond exports to the US, the 15% tariff will no longer apply. These goods are now included on the list of exemptions summarised in so-called ‘Annex II,’ which outlines products that can be exempted once a bilateral trade agreement with the US is reached. But the exemption is also of great international importance. By setting this precedent, we have opened the door for other diamond-producing and polishing countries to negotiate similar arrangements in the near future. A global zero percent tariff on diamonds is particularly important for Belgian diamantaires, who often trade diamonds polished in India,” said AWDC CEO Karen Rentmeesters.
“This is an important announcement for the gem and jewellery sector in India as it will provide an opportunity to negotiate tariffs with the US. This will also provide an option for Indian manufacturers, particularly natural polished diamonds, to export their products through Antwerp,” said a diamond manufacturer.
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⏰ Published on: September 25, 2025