Rough diamonds: De Beers sees positive trend

De Beers’ rough diamond sales continued their “reasonably positive trend” during the third cycle of the year to reach $660m.

Cape Town - Anglo American said on Tuesday that De Beers' rough diamond sales had continued their “reasonably positive trend” during the third cycle of the year to reach $660 million, compared with $617 million in the second sales cycle of 2016.

Philippe Mellier, chief executive of De Beers Group, said: “So far, 2016 has seen significantly stronger rough diamond demand than that experienced at the end of 2015 as the actions taken by the industry continue to have a positive effect.

“However, we are now moving into a part of the year where rough diamond demand has historically been lower as a result of seasonality, so we continue to adopt a prudent mindset,” he added.

ANA