SAMS Group Australia
advertisement
SAMS Group Australia
advertisement
SAMS Group Australia
advertisement
Goto your account

Feature Stories, Diamonds













Coronavirus roughs up diamond industry

INCLUDES TIMELINE: The coronavirus has forced shutdowns at every stage of the diamond ‘pipeline’, from mines to bourses, the polishing centre of Surat, and retailers. Yet, the pandemic may represent an unlikely opportunity to rebalance the supply chain, writes ARABELLA RODEN.

RECENT STATS
IMPACT ON THE
DIAMOND INDUSTRY

 

-75%

US jewellery retail spending in the week to 1 April, compared with the same period in 2019
Source: Earnest Data

_________
 

$US846m

fall in Indian diamond exports in February 2020 compared with 2019
Source: Dinesh Navadiya, GJEPC

_________
 

90%

Chow Tai Fook stores in China closed in February

Source: Chow Tai Fook

 _________
 

57%

Decline in sales reported by Luk Fook stores in China in the first three months of 2020
Source: Reuters

The unprecedented challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic has added another burden to the already fragile international diamond industry, producing concurrent shocks to both demand and supply.

“We’ve never had an environment where commercial activity right across the whole pipeline, let alone the whole luxury goods industry, has simply come to a halt,” said David Prager, executive vice-president corporate affairs, De Beers.

Most significantly, the virus has crippled the retail sector in the US – the world’s largest diamond jewellery market and epicentre of the pandemic since late March – through limitations on social interaction, as well as widespread unemployment, financial uncertainty, and reduced consumer confidence.

Indeed, the country recorded a 7.5 per cent reduction in consumer spending during the month of March – the largest monthly fall on record. During the same period, 30 million citizens applied for unemployment benefits.

Examing retail by category, a recent New York Times analysis of data collected by market research firm Earnest Data – which tracks the debit and credit card purchases of 6 million Americans – found jewellery spending was 75 per cent lower in the week to 1 April than it was in 2019.

Even with some states now easing lockdown restrictions, industry experts note that the retail jewellery sector’s recovery will not be immediate.

Go straight to Timeline of Events »

Discussing the challenge with the Rapaport Podcast recently, Stephen Lussier, executive vice-president – consumer and brands at De Beers, said, “We’re in two parallel universes – one locked down pretty much fully, if you look across the big markets of the US or India or in Europe, where... many thousands of our retail partners in those markets are in effect closed.”

While Lussier asserted that the Chinese market had since “reopened” to an extent, it has not been immune to the effects of the virus. Chow Tai Fook – China’s largest jewellery company – closed 90 per cent of its stores in February.

While the majority had reopened by April, managing director Kent Wong predicted it would take “three or four months” for the company to be “back to normal”.

Meanwhile, major jewellery retailer Luk Fook – which operates stores throughout the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macau – reported same-store sales decreased 57 per cent for the first three months of the year. Alongside retail, the diamond midstream has also suffered. In Antwerp, polished imports fell 71 per cent in March and exports 51 per cent.

In India, where approximately 90 per cent of the world’s diamonds are cut and polished, the diamond manufacturing industry was already under pressure even before the pandemic reached its shores.

Dinesh Navadiya, Gujarat regional chairman of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), recently stated, “The industry has already witnessed [a] $US846 million fall in exports in February 2020 compared to the same month last year, and the crisis is deepening further and could get worse than what was witnessed during the 2008 financial recession.”

A later GJEPC report covering the period from February to April 2020 noted that cut and polished diamond exports fell 19.38 per cent, to $US17.6 billion, compared with the same period in 2019.

The report attributed the results to “global recessionary  trends, destocking of diamonds by many suppliers to create liquidity, lack of liquidity amongst the traders... [and] the global health emergency”.

David Prager, executive vice-president corporate affairs, De Beers
David Prager, executive vice-president corporate affairs, De Beers
“We’ve never had an environment where commercial activity right across the whole pipeline, let alone the whole luxury goods industry, has simply come to a halt”
David Prager, De Beers

Approximately 39 per cent of Indian-cut diamonds are exported to the US and 41 per cent to Hong Kong and mainland China.

“Diamond bourses from Antwerp to Mumbai and Ramat Gan were temporarily closed through March and April in accordance with government lockdowns”

With sluggish demand from these markets, Indian manufacturers have been left with a significant amount of excess inventory – to the point that trade organisations have called for members to stop importing rough for one month, beginning on 15 May, according to Rapaport News.

Diamond industry analyst Chaim Even-Zohar has recommended the Indian government discuss a three- or even four-month moratorium on diamond imports. He posits that implementing such a measure would rebalance supplies, clear the glut of material in the midstream, and avoid a price collapse similar to the current oil crisis.

Indeed, the industry witnessed a prelude to that type of crisis when the Rapaport Price List was published on 20 March. Listed prices on its RapNet trading platform dropped 5–9 per cent across most diamond categories, significantly devaluing the inventory of RapNet’s more than 7,000 members.

The change led to an exodus of members, who criticised the methodology of the price calculation and claimed it had been distorted by low volumes.

Indeed, diamond bourses from Antwerp to Mumbai and Ramat Gan were temporarily closed throughout March and April in accordance with government lockdowns and health directives. In order to address the concerns over a lack of meaningful sales data, the Rapaport Price List is now published monthly, rather than weekly.

Similarly, the Fancy Color Research Foundation (FCRF) has suspended its quarterly Price Index due to low sales volumes.

The Index is based on transaction data for pink, yellow and blue diamonds in a variety of sizes and intensities, gathered at major colour diamond trading centres in New York, Hong Kong and Israel.
 

 

QUICK NUMBERS
MINED OVER MATTER

 

100%

deferrals offered to De Beers sightholders at May Sight
Source: Rapaport News

_________
 

-28%

De Beers revenue in Cycle 2 of 2020 compared with Cycle 2 of 2019
Source: DeBeers

_________
 

-96%

Alrosa rough diamond sales revenue in April 2020 compared with April 2019
Source: Alrosa

 _________
 

25-27m

De Beers production target in carats for 2020
Source: DeBeers

A rough matter for mining industry

With diamond manufacturers no longer able to operate due to virus-related lockdowns, and unable – or unwilling – to build inventory due to suppressed retail demand, mining companies have been forced to offer unprecedented flexibility to sight holders.

These terms have included 60-100 per cent deferments, lifting mandatory buying requirements, and buying back up to 30 per cent of inventory.

Sergey Ivanov, CEO of Russian mining conglomerate Alrosa – the largest diamond producer by volume – noted how quickly the situation had changed.

“In this turbulent environment, the situation at the start and at the end of our trading session in March was completely different. That is why we had to adjust and offer more flexible sales terms on the go,” he said.

“The uncertainty in February was followed by severe restrictions and even the suspension of trading because of border closures and quarantine measures across the world.

“Needless to say that this has had an extremely adverse effect all along the diamond pipeline,” he added.

Alrosa’s first-quarter diamond sales revenue declined 10 per cent when compared with the same period in 2019, largely due to a steep 56 per cent fall in March “in all key markets”. In April, its rough diamond sales fell 96 per cent.

De Beers reports its financial results across 10 yearly ‘cycles’. Revenue for ‘Cycle Two’ of 2020 – comprising its 24–28 February Sight – saw revenue 28 per cent below the same period in 2019.

Sergey Ivanov, CEO Alrosa
Sergey Ivanov, CEO Alrosa
“The situation at the start and at the end of our trading session in March was completely different – that is why we had to adjust and offer more flexible sales terms”
Sergey Ivanov, Alrosa

Its third Sight, due to begin on 30 March, was cancelled due to international travel restrictions and a lockdown in Botswana, where the Sights are held.

In order to prevent outbreaks, many mines – from South Africa, Namibia and Botswana to Canada and Siberia – have also been placed into ‘care and maintenance’, meaning production has halted and the majority of the workforce has been temporarily stood down.

As a result, production targets have also been slashed. De Beers has reduced its 2020 forecast by 20 per cent, to between 25 million and 27 million carats, while Alrosa indicated it would reduce its output by 11 per cent to 34.3 million carats. However, some producers remain optimistic for the remainder of 2020.

Lucara,  which has continued to operate its Karowe Mine in Botswana throughout the crisis, recently said in a statement, “Though our near-term outlook on diamond prices remains uncertain, global rough-diamond production curtailments, combined with early indications of polished diamond-demand recovery in Asia, provide some optimism that demand will improve in the latter half of the year.”

The company recorded a 30 per cent decline in revenue for the quarter ending 31 March, with CEO Eira Thomas noting weak demand and the necessity for “cost management and capital discipline”.

De Beers Rough Diamond Sales, Cycle 1 2019 to Cycle 2 2020.

Above: De Beers Rough Diamond Sales, Cycle 1 2019 to Cycle 2 2020.


Concluding perspective

The suspension of diamond supply chain due to coronavirus has undoubtedly had a severe impact on communities throughout the world.

In an open letter published on 1 May, Bruce Cleaver, CEO De Beers, wrote, “Around our mines, in the world’s major diamond cutting centres, and in the communities in which our employees live, the continuity of our operations is central to our people, the local economy and entire nations.

Paul Zimnisky, diamond industry analyst
Paul Zimnisky, diamond industry analyst
“Once the diamond supply chain begins to reopen... trading volume will gradually begin to normalise and prices will likely find a more sustainable and reliable level”
Paul Zimnisky, diamond industry analyst

“The salaries we pay and the services we provide and purchase help families put food on the table and manage their health. In many cases, the provision of water, food, energy and health and transportation systems depend on our operations.”

Protecting the welfare of those employed in the diamond supply chain – from miners to dealers and retail jewellers – from the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic requires unprecedented co-operation.

“The key to this is to try to make sure that all sectors of the industry come back in a collaborative and consistent way in terms of building the capacity in both supply and demand,” says Prager.

Beyond coronavirus lockdowns, the diamond industry must maintain prices by managing ongoing supply and demand shocks.

Even-Zohar points to the necessity of diamond mining companies to support the midstream by complying with an Indian import moratorium, should it be put in place, and even offering credit in order to “share the financial burden of their customers”.

“Producers need the Indian cutters, and there is no alternative to India. Over the years the Indian industry has produced enormous wealth for them… Now the shoe is on the other foot,” he says.

Meanwhile, diamond industry analyst Paul Zimnisky notes, “Once the diamond supply chain begins to reopen, which will require the opening of borders, retail outlets and manufacturing and trading hubs globally, trading volume will gradually begin to normalise and prices will likely find a more sustainable and reliable level.”

While presenting significant challenges in the short term, the coronavirus pandemic may yet solve the persistent problem of the unbalanced diamond supply chain and at last deliver the price stability that is crucial to all in the ‘pipeline’.

 

Timeline: COVID-19 ROUGHS UP THE DIAMOND INDUSTRY

2019DEC First COVID-19 cases are identified in Wuhan, China. The first death from the illness is recorded on 11 January 2020.
202020 JAN First COVID-19 cases are identified outside China, in South Korea, Thailand and Japan. The Chinese government implements a shutdown of Wuhan three days later, and the US restricts travel from China on 31 January.

 

THE SUPPLY CHAIN IMPACT BEGINS

2020FEBRETAIL
Chow Tai Fook announces 90 per cent closure


Chow Tai Fook, China’s largest jewellery retailer, closes 90 per cent of its store network, including on the mainland and on the islands of Hong Kong and Macau.

It later reports that same-store sales in January and February fell 60 per cent in Hong Kong and Macau and 42 per cent on the mainland. During the same period, retailer Chow Sang Sang reported same-store sales fell 45 per cent on the mainland, and 44 per cent in Hong Kong and Macau. From January to March, retailer Luk Fook reported a 57 per cent decline in same-store sales.
 26 FEB MINING
De Beers revenue declines 28 per cent following February sight

Given the spread of COVID-19 in China, De Beers allows sight holders to defer purchases of goods allocated to the Chinese market. It later reports a decline in revenue of 28 per cent, to $US355 million, for the ‘Cycle Two’ period covering the February Sight.
 11 MAR RETAIL
Chow Tai Fook stores reopen

Approximately 70 per cent of Chow Tai Fook stores in Mainland China, and 64 per cent of stores in Hong Kong and Macau, return to trading. Chow Tai Fook managing director Kent Wong predicts it will take “three or four months” for the company to return to “normal”.
 15 MAR BOURSES
Antwerp and Israel diamond bourses temporarily closed

The Federation of Belgian Diamond Bourses announces all four Antwerp bourses will be closed temporarily in compliance with government health directives. Its polished imports subsequently fall 71 per cent and exports 51 per cent for the month of March.

In Ramat Gan, the Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE) is also temporarily closed as social-distancing regulations come into effect.
 19 MAR 
 
BOURSES
Bharat Diamond Bourse requests staff reduction

The Bharat Diamond Bourse – the world’s largest diamond bourse – requests that members reduce their on-site staff by 50 per cent in order to observe social distancing while trading. The Surat Diamond Association also allows polishing businesses to continue to operate, while implementing safety procedures.

Less than a week later, on 24 March, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announces a 21-day national lockdown, with all businesses except essential services ordered to close.
 

20
MAR 

 

PRICE LISTS
Rapaport reduces diamond prices in weekly List; RapNet members protest 

The 20 March edition of the Rapaport Price List reduces diamond prices across most sizes by 5–9 per cent. The decision significantly devalues the inventory of members, leading to outcry and claims that the new prices were distorted by low trading volumes. 
 22 MAR

RETAIL
Signet Jewelers closes all US stores

Signet Jewelers, the largest jewellery retailer in the US and owner of the Jared, Kay Jewelers, James Allen, and Zales brands, closes its entire store network.

 26
MAR 

 
MINING
South Africa implements national lockdown; mine operations suspended

The South African government begins enforcing a 21-day national lockdown, forcing the closure of several mines including the Cullinan Mine, operated by Petra Diamonds. 
 30 MAR MINING
De Beers cancels March Sight

Hours before its March Sight is due to begin, De Beers cancels the six-day event. The sale was due to take place in Botswana; the Botswana government declares a national lockdown on 2 April.
 2 APR 
 
MINING
De Beers, Lucapa suspend mining operations; Lucara continues to operate

Due to the Botswana government’s lockdown measures, De Beers places its Debswana project into ‘care and maintenance’ with reduced staff and operations. However, Lucara continues to operate its Karowe Mine, also in Botswana. Elsewhere in Africa, Lucapa places its Lulo Mine in Angola and its Mothae Mine in Lesotho into care and maintenance.
 6 APR 
 
MINING
Alrosa allows 100 per cent deferrals on April contracts

At its April contract sale, Russian mining conglomerate Alrosa – the world’s largest diamond producer by volume – allows clients to defer 100 per cent of their purchases.

Sergey Ivanov, CEO Alrosa, says, “In this turbulent environment, the situation at the start and at the end of our trading session in March was completely different. That is why we had to adjust and offer more flexible sales terms on the go.”
 19
APR 

 
PRICE LISTS
Fancy Color Research Foundation declines to publish Index

The Fancy Color Research Foundation (FCRF) does not publish a Fancy Color Price Index for the first quarter of 2020 due to reduced sales volumes. The Index is developed from natural fancy colour diamond transactions in New York, Hong Kong, and Israel.
 30
APR 

 
RETAIL
US retail sales fall 16.4 per cent

Retail sales in the US – the world’s largest jewellery market – see the largest monthly fall on record, dropping 16.4 per cent for the month of April 2020, according to figures from the country’s Department of Commerce. Retail sales had fallen 8.3 per cent in March 2020. 
 23 APR MINING 
De Beers reduces production forecast

De Beers cuts its annual production target by 20 per cent, from 32-34 million carats to 25-27 million carats.
 3 MAY 
 
MINING
Lucapa resumes operations in Angola

Following an easing of government restrictions, Lucapa resumes operations at its Mothae Mine in Angola.
 

7 MAY 

 

RETAIL
Signet Jewelers reopens stores in US

As some US states begin to ease social distancing restrictions, Signet Jewelers reopens approximately 200 stores at “partial capacity” with social distancing and health protocols in place to protect shoppers and staff.
 11 MAY 
 
BOURSES
Antwerp trading floors reopen

The Federation of Belgian Diamond Bourses reopens all trading floors from 11 May, with a spokesperson for the Antwerp World Diamond Centre telling Rapaport News, “The advice from the Belgian government is still to work from home as much as possible, but from today on, people can come back to work if necessary.”
 12 MAY 
 
MINING
Alrosa states that it has “virtually stopped selling rough and polished diamonds”

In a statement on its April financial results, Alrosa reveals it sold $US15.6 million worth of rough and polished diamonds compared with $US152.8 million in March.

Evgeny Agureev, deputy CEO Alrosa, says, “Restrictions imposed to fight the coronavirus and a decline in the demand for diamond jewellery have minimised the trade in rough and polished diamonds across the world... In the current environment, market players have to address the overstocking issue in the midstream and act in line with the actual condition of the cutting sector.”
 15 MAY MINING
Alrosa suspends operations at Aikhal and Zarya Mines

Due to a significant decline in demand and revenue, Alrosa suspends operations at its Aikhal and Zarya Mines. It closed its polishing operations “until further notice” on 10 May.
 24 MAY 
 
BOURSES
Israel Diamond Exchange is scheduled to resume normal trading activities

In a Facebook post, Yoram Dvash, IDE chairman and acting president of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, confirms trade will resume on 24 May. The decision to reopen the trading hall was unanimously approved by bourse management and a number of new health protocols will be put in place to comply with government safety restrictions.

 

Read feature in eMag

 




ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Arabella Roden • Former editor

Arabella Roden is the editor of Jeweller and writes in-depth features on the jewellery industry. She has ten years media experience across Australia and the UK as journalist and sub-editor.








(c) 2024 Befindan Media