Administrative reforms and geopolitics drive recovery of Antwerp diamond trade

The total volume of diamonds traded in Antwerp rose by almost 20 per cent in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period last year, according to figures from the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), the sector's umbrella organisation. Administrative reforms and the conflict in the Middle East are contributing to the recovery, the AWDC says. ​

After years of decline, the diamond sector began a cautious recovery last year, with growth recorded for the first time in December 2025. According to AWDC CEO Karen Rentmeesters, this reflects "structural measures that strengthen entrepreneurship in the Antwerp diamond sector and keep the trading centre attractive to international players."

That positive trend has continued into early 2026, the AWDC's latest figures reveal. "Imports of rough diamonds in particular saw a sharp increase," Rentmeesters said. In terms of total trade value, Antwerp recorded growth of 3.7 per cent in the first quarter of the year.

The CEO points to cooperation between Belgian and European as a key driver. She also highlights the introduction of a streamlined visa directive that gives foreign traders easier access to a temporary residence permit, as well as the recognition of diamond cutters and sorters as bottleneck jobs.

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Traders seek stability

Geopolitics is also playing a role. With the war against Iran making trading hubs such as Dubai less attractive to some in the sector, a growing number of diamond companies are seeking greater stability.

"Geopolitical tensions are reinforcing a trend whereby diamond companies are building in greater flexibility and, in some cases, opting for a more stable base, such as Antwerp," Rentmeesters said. This shift, she adds, is "made possible precisely by our structural measures."

The figures show that international diamond prices are under severe pressure. The price of rough diamonds fell by 27 per cent in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. The primary cause is weak demand for polished diamonds, with the growing popularity of synthetic diamonds and the large stockpiles accumulated following the 2022 peak adding further downward pressure.

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