Strong turnout at Hong Kong jewellery and gem show
HONG KONG, September 20, 2015 – Footfall was brisk at the September Hong Kong jewellery & gem fair, bringing an optimistic mood against a backdrop of challenging times in the diamond trade.
As the gem show wrapped up, corridors were packed with trade buyers, and visitor numbers were also strong at the jewellery show at the Convention Center.
The top visiting countries and regions were China, Hong Kong, India and the United States, according to the fair.
The September Hong Kong fair is an important barometer for the health of the global diamond trade.
In an interview with JNA, Jim Pounds, executive vice president for diamonds at Dominion Diamond Corporation, said, “Whilst the U.S., the largest consumer of diamond jewellery, remains positive, growth in China has slowed and demand in India has remained weak.
“The U.S. cannot carry the industry on its own.
“The shrinking of credit available to the middle of the pipeline has exacerbated an excess of polished at a time of seasonal weakness in demand.
“However, while some companies may struggle more than others, I do foresee opportunity for the sector as a whole to move to a more positive footing.”
