The Federation of Belgian Diamond Bourses has “real fears” about De Beers’ Supplier of Choice policy, a group statement said recently.

“Dealers and manufacturers are very worried about the future outlook of the diamond market,” said the statement, signed by the presidents of all four Antwerp bourses. “It is the strong belief of the Federation of Belgian Diamond Bourses that in order to spread the distribution of rough to the widest possible circle of small and middle-size manufacturers, which are the backbone of our industry, a multichannel supply through various independent traders is vital.”

The release concluded that “it will watch the market very closely in January and keep all interested companies informed.”