De Beers loses value amid diamond industry crisis
De Beers has announced significant financial losses as the diamond sector faces a crisis, prompting its parent company, Anglo American, to reduce its value.
De Beers, the diamond giant, has confirmed its financial losses for 2025, with its parent company, Anglo American, announcing a halving of De Beers' book value, which now stands at just $2.3 billion. The past year has been particularly harsh for De Beers, with losses reaching an astounding $511 million, a stark increase from $25 million in 2024. This translates to almost $1.5 million lost every day, raising concerns about the sustainability of the diamond business amid shifting consumer trends and market demands.
In the face of these losses, De Beers is reportedly up for sale, with Anglo American hoping to find a buyer by the end of the year. This context sets the stage for a major upheaval in the company’s operations and strategies, as multiple credible buyers have already expressed interest. The recent decline in De Beers’ value could work in favor of potential acquirers, encouraging them to make offers below the $2 billion mark, which aligns with the current market sentiment and economic realities affecting the diamond industry.
The implications are significant, not just for De Beers and Anglo American, but for the entire diamond sector, which is grappling with challenges ranging from changing consumer preferences to increased competition from synthetic diamonds. This turmoil raises questions about the future of diamond valuation and the viability of traditional mining companies, as they navigate through a transformative phase shaped by both economic pressures and evolving market dynamics.