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KBRA Releases Research – Tariff Uncertainty Amplifies Pressure on Diamond ABS Sector

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--KBRA releases research on the potential impacts of tariffs on the diamond asset-backed securities (ABS) sector.

The US’s significant tariff initiatives have heightened uncertainty across global trade flows and capital markets. Although implementation has been paused for 90 days, a baseline 10% tariff is now in effect, pending further negotiations. The diamond trading sector is particularly sensitive to these developments, as the US remains the world’s largest single end-market for polished diamonds, representing between 40% and 55% of global demand by value, according to industry sources.

The tariffs are exacerbating pressure on the natural diamond market, which was already facing structural and cyclical headwinds, including the rapid growth of lab-grown alternatives and the softening of discretionary demand.

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About KBRA

KBRA, one of the major credit rating agencies, is registered in the U.S., EU, and the UK. KBRA is recognized as a Qualified Rating Agency in Taiwan, and is also a Designated Rating Organization for structured finance ratings in Canada. As a full-service credit rating agency, investors can use KBRA ratings for regulatory capital purposes in multiple jurisdictions.

Doc ID: 1009107

Contacts

Killian Walsh, Managing Director, Structured Finance
+353 1 588 1184
killian.walsh@kbra.com

John Hogan, Co-Head of Europe, Ratings General
+353 1 588 1191
john.hogan@kbra.com

Yee Cent Wong, Senior Managing Director, Lead Analytical Manager, Structured Finance Ratings
+1 646-731-2374
yee.cent.wong@kbra.com

Business Development Contacts

Miten Amin, Managing Director
+44 20 8148 1002
miten.amin@kbra.com

Mauricio Noé, Co-Head of Europe
+44 20 8148 1010
mauricio.noe@kbra.com

Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC

Details
Headquarters: New York City, New York
CEO: Jim Nadler
Employees: 400+
Organization: PRI

Release Versions

Contacts

Killian Walsh, Managing Director, Structured Finance
+353 1 588 1184
killian.walsh@kbra.com

John Hogan, Co-Head of Europe, Ratings General
+353 1 588 1191
john.hogan@kbra.com

Yee Cent Wong, Senior Managing Director, Lead Analytical Manager, Structured Finance Ratings
+1 646-731-2374
yee.cent.wong@kbra.com

Business Development Contacts

Miten Amin, Managing Director
+44 20 8148 1002
miten.amin@kbra.com

Mauricio Noé, Co-Head of Europe
+44 20 8148 1010
mauricio.noe@kbra.com

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