Antwerp’s diamond industry strengthens ties with Greater China

The Antwerp diamond industry’s participation at the Jewelry Shanghai 2013 Trade Fair, underlined growing trade relations between Antwerp’s diamond industry and China, especially over the past five years. In 2012, 31,3 percent of Antwerp’s polished diamonds were exported to greater China (29 percent in 2011). Antwerp’s exports of rough and polished diamonds, to Greater China rose 73 percent between 2007 and 2012. Also, import of diamonds from greater China to Antwerp increased by 70 percent in the past five years. Greater China currently is the number 1 export destination for Antwerp’s polished diamonds.

Ari Epstein, CEO Antwerp World Diamond Centre: “The Chinese market has a lot of potential. Driven by the economic developments in China and Hong Kong, diamond demand increased steeply the past few years. Our import and export figures are testimony to that evolution. We want to make sure Antwerp stays the preferred trading partner of both China and Hong Kong and that is why we decided to organize a complete networking program.”

A selection of Antwerp diamond companies visiting Shanghai between May 10th to 13th and participating in a four-day networking program which included the first ever Antwerp Diamond Pavilion at the Shanghai fair.

In cooperation with HRD Antwerp, the Belgian Consulate-General in Shanghai, the Shanghai Diamond Exchange and the Gem and Jewelry Association of China, AWDC organized three networking events. In the unique surroundings of the former Chinese pavilion of the Shanghai World Expo, the Antwerp diamond companies interacted with at least 120 potential Chinese buyers during the Antwerp Diamond Night. Also, AWDC organized a Meet & Greet with VVIP buyers working for 10 different Chinese companies. The four-day program ended with a cocktail reception at the Belgian Consulate.