US Tariffs: "Existential Threat" to Israel's Diamond Industry
October 30, 25
(IDEX Online) - Israel's diamond industry is facing an "existential threat" after the US zero-rated polished diamond imports from the EU, but retained the 15 per cent tariff on Israeli goods.
"If tariffs were lifted for Europe, Israel deserves the same," Nissim Zuaretz (pictured), president of the Israel Diamond Exchange told the Ynet news website.
"This isn't just an economic issue. It's a matter of national pride collapsing before our eyes."
Israel's once-thriving diamond industry is already reeling from the global downturn and the impact of two years of war against Hamas in Gaza.
Net exports of rough and polished diamonds fell 23 per cent year-on-year during January to August 2025 (from $2.1bn to $1.6bn) according to Israeli government figures.
Zuaretz called on Israel's government to challenge the US tariffs, which give Antwerp and other European suppliers a huge advantage over his country.