New Rules Leave Air-Shipped Jewelry Exposed
After recent U.S. tariff changes, many jewelry wholesalers who shipped natural diamonds and responsible gemstones by air before April found themselves slapped with unexpected 10% duties. Why? Because “in-transit tariff exemption” only applies if goods travel by water—not by air, rail, or truck.
The Fallout for Wholesalers
Many companies already thought their shipments avoided the duty due to early transit. But in April, Customs clarified the exemption only works for sea transport. Businesses have been hit retroactively, some owing back-duties even though their goods left the country before tariffs took effect.
vs Natural Diamonds: A Tariff Wake-Up Call
As natural diamond importers brace for bills, the lab-grown diamonds vs natural diamonds debate sharpens. Why pay massive tariffs and risk confusing policy when lab-grown diamonds and sustainable gemstones aren’t facing the same unpredictable costs?
Hidden Costs & Market Uncertainty
- Air shipments that were expected to be exempt ended up paying, eroding profit margins.
- The ambiguous policy window leaves small and mid-sized retailers vulnerable.
- When sustainable gemstones and lab-grown options provide cost predictability, many wonder: is natural diamond trade risking relevancy?
AIDI’s Take: Stability Trumps Luxury Without Certainty
At AIDI, we believe jewelry shouldn’t just glint—it should be built on clarity and fairness. Natural diamond retailers must adapt or risk being overshadowed by ethical luxury jewelry built around lab-grown diamonds and responsibly sourced gemstones, where costs are transparent and supply chains are less volatile.