SourcingJan 02, 2025
Gemfields Resumes Ruby Mining in MozambiqueSourcingJan 13, 2025
Zambia Reinstates 15% Export Duty on Precious Gemstones, Shocking Gemfields
Gemfields said the Zambian government revoked the 2019 suspension of the tax with no warning.
The government of Zambia has reinstated a 15 percent export tax on precious gemstones, a move that came as a surprise to Gemfields. The London-based miner has said it plans to lobby against the change.
London—The Zambian government has reinstated the country’s 15 percent export tax on precious gemstones, a move Gemfields said came without warning and one it plans to lobby against.
The new export duty, which took effect Jan. 1, will be applied on top of an existing 6 percent mineral royalty tax.
Gemfields said this will raise the effective tax on revenues at the Kagem emerald mine, which it owns in partnership with the Zambian government’s Industrial Development Corporation, to 21 percent, in addition to a 30 percent corporation tax.
The 15 percent export duty was first introduced in 2019 but suspended later that year following negotiations between the government and the country’s emerald sector.
The government revoked the 2019 duty suspension without notice or consultation, Gemfields said.
Related stories will be right here …
The new export duty, which took effect Jan. 1, will be applied on top of an existing 6 percent mineral royalty tax.
Gemfields said this will raise the effective tax on revenues at the Kagem emerald mine, which it owns in partnership with the Zambian government’s Industrial Development Corporation, to 21 percent, in addition to a 30 percent corporation tax.
The 15 percent export duty was first introduced in 2019 but suspended later that year following negotiations between the government and the country’s emerald sector.
The government revoked the 2019 duty suspension without notice or consultation, Gemfields said.
Zambia is among the world’s three largest emerald exporters along with Brazil and Colombia.
Brazil and Colombia’s aggregate tax on revenues are 2 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively, in addition to corporation taxes of 34 percent and 33 percent, respectively, according to Gemfields.
Gemfields said in 2023, when no export duty was in place, Kagem paid 31 percent of its revenues to the Zambian government in the form of mineral royalties, corporation taxes, and dividends.
Citing the impact the tax could have on sector sustainability and investment attractiveness, the miner said it plans to ask the government to suspend the export duty again.
The company said it is aware of several additional measures introduced in other areas of the economy that could bring in more money for the Zambian government and wouldn’t involve taxing precious stone exports.
As of Dec. 23, Gemfields has suspended emerald mining at Kagem for up to six months due to oversupply in the market.
For now, it has shifted focus to processing ore from Kagem’s ore stockpiles.
In an email to National Jeweler, the miner said despite the suspension, all affected employees will be paid their usual monthly basic salaries pursuant to Zambian law.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Caitríona Balfe Fronts Only Natural Diamonds CoverThe “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
Michael M Opens First StoreBeverly Hills was chosen as the location for the brand’s first store, designed as a “private residence for modern monarchs.”
Policies & IssuesMar 04, 2026
Luxury Brands Temporarily Shutter Middle East StoresKering, Apple, and other retailers have reportedly temporarily closed stores in the Middle East region in light of the recent conflicts.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
EditorsMar 04, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills StoreBeth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”
Weekly QuizFeb 26, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMar 04, 2026
JIS Miami Spring Show to Feature New Gifts Pavilion, Pop-Up Trends TalksNearly half of buyers are prioritizing silver and fashion collections this season, organizers said.
TrendsMar 04, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Rides Free In Year of the Horse CampaignThe “Live Now. Polish Later.” campaign features equestrians wearing the brand’s jewels while galloping across the icy plains of Kazakhstan.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
LeachGarner Names New Brand DirectorThe precious metals provider has promoted Jennifer Ashworth to the role.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on March 13.
MajorsMar 03, 2026
Swiss Refiner Completes Acquisition of Gannon & ScottThe American precious metals refiner’s day-to-day operations remain the same post-acquisition.
TrendsMar 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: AquatopiaThese aquamarine jewels channel the calming energy of the March birthstone.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
AGTA Adds Another New Category for SpectrumThe “Innovative Design” category and award will debut in the Spectrum division of this year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards.
EditorsMar 02, 2026
Jewelry at the Actor Awards: Reimagining Hollywood GlamourDiamond jewelry was the star of the event formerly known as the SAG Awards.
SurveysMar 02, 2026
Consumer Confidence Edges Up in FebruaryConsumers were somewhat less worried about the future, though concerns about rising prices and politics remained.
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JVC to Honor Rebecca Foerster at Annual LuncheonFoerster is this year’s Stanley Schechter Award recipient.
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JFC Names 2026 ‘Facets’ Honorees Sponsorships and tickets to the annual fundraising event, set for May 31, are available now.
CrimeFeb 27, 2026
Man Charged in Murders of Father, Son Jewelers in ChicagoChicago police and members of the U.S. Marshals Service tracked down the 35-year-old suspect earlier this week in St. Louis.
MajorsFeb 27, 2026
Jewelers Mutual to Donate $10M to Savannah College of Art and DesignA 10-year alliance has also begun to address the shortage of bench jewelers through scholarships, enhanced programs, and updated equipment.
CollectionsFeb 27, 2026
Renato Cipullo Turns Gold into HardstonesThe “Splendente” collection has evolved to feature hardstone letter pendants, including our Piece of the Week, the onyx “R.”
AuctionsFeb 26, 2026
Noonans to Auction Lady Wardington’s JewelryThe jewelry collection belonged to “one of society's most glamorous and beautiful women of the mid-20th century,” said the auction house.
SourcingFeb 26, 2026
Anglo American CEO Gives Insight Into De Beers SaleThe update came as Anglo took its third write-down on the diamond miner and marketer, which lost more than $500 million in 2025.
ColumnistsFeb 26, 2026
Practical Ways Jewelers Can Leverage AI in 2026Emmanuel Raheb discusses the rise of “GEO” and the importance of having well-written, quality content on your website.
CrimeFeb 26, 2026
Three Sentenced in California Jewelry HeistEach received around four years for burglarizing a jewelry store and a coffee shop in Simi Valley, California, last May.
Events & AwardsFeb 26, 2026
GIA Names 2026 Jewelry Design Contest Winner, Retires Annual AwardCatherine Aulick, a GIA graduate, received the ninth and final Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.
TrendsFeb 25, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
PodcastsFeb 25, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
