Rough diamond sales at Anglo's De Beers rise in third cycle

Anglo American said on Wednesday that rough diamond sales at its De Beers unit rose in the third cycle of the year.

Sales increased to $540m from $497m in the second cycle, but were down from $566m in the third cycle of last year.

De Beers chief executive Bruce Cleaver said: "We have continued to see good demand for our rough diamonds over the third sales cycle of the year as we move into the second quarter of 2023.

"Sales were in line with expectations and we continue to see some encouraging positive trends in consumer demand for diamond jewellery, not least in China where we're beginning to see some signs of recovery in consumer confidence following the relaxation of travel restrictions."