The U.S. restored a zero percent import duty exemption for polished natural diamonds on Friday, July 24 [1].
This decision provides critical stability to the Belgian diamond sector, which has faced months of trade uncertainty. Because Antwerp serves as a primary global hub for the diamond trade, the removal of these tariffs ensures that the city remains competitive against other international cutting centers.
The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) welcomed the move, saying that the exemption restores the predictability required for long-term business operations [2]. The restored duty rate of 0% [3] allows cut natural diamonds to enter the U.S. market without the burden of additional import taxes.
Industry officials said the move is essential for maintaining the flow of goods between Europe and North America. The Belgian industry relies heavily on the U.S. as a destination for high-value polished stones, a relationship that was strained by the previous tariff status.
"We are delighted that the United States has restored the exemption, which will give our industry the certainty it needs and help keep Antwerp at the heart of the global diamond market," an AWDC spokesperson said [4].
The restoration of the exemption follows a period of volatility where Belgian traders feared a permanent shift in trade costs. By eliminating the import duty, the U.S. has effectively lowered the barrier for Antwerp-based firms to export their polished products to American consumers and retailers.
“The United States restored a zero-percent import duty exemption for polished natural diamonds.”
The reinstatement of this tariff exemption prevents a potential migration of diamond cutting and polishing operations away from Belgium. By removing the cost barrier to the U.S. market, the U.S. government is supporting the economic infrastructure of Antwerp, ensuring the city retains its status as a central node in the global luxury supply chain.
