(PRESS RELEASE) ANTWERP — The recently concluded trade agreement between the European Union and India provides for a reduction of India’s import duty on naturally polished diamonds of European origin, from 5.5% to 2.5%. This tariff reduction is the result of intensive lobbying efforts by the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), in close cooperation with the European Commission. The measure represents a new boost for the Antwerp diamond industry and strengthens Antwerp’s attractiveness as a polishing centre. “We are extremely pleased with the outcome of the long-awaited trade agreement between Europe and India,” says Karen Rentmeesters, CEO of AWDC. This is an important boost for the Belgian diamond sector and is expected to have a positive impact on exports of Antwerp-polished diamonds to India.