Russia retained its position as the leading country in terms of rough-diamond production value in 2025.

The federation took the top spot for the third consecutive year, after first surpassing Botswana in 2023. Even as it faced challenges from sanctions against its goods throughout the US and the European Union, and a weak diamond market, the country produced nearly double the amount of rough as its closest competitors.

Last year, Russia recovered 31.5 million carats with a total value of $2.72 billion, at an average price of $86 per carat, according to statistics the Kimberley Process (KP) released Tuesday. The strong result comes as Alrosa, the country’s biggest miner, paused production at several deposits last year to save money amid the industry downturn. That compared to 2024 output of 37.3 million carats with a total value of $3.34 billion and an average price of $89 per carat.

Meanwhile, production in Botswana dropped due to shutdowns at the Jwaneng and Orapa deposits. In 2025, the country produced 15.5 million carats with a total value of $1.98 billion, at an average price of $128 per carat, while the 18.1 million carats it recovered in 2024 were valued at $1.36 billion, with the average price set at $75 per carat.

Global rough output fell 3% year on year to $9.23 billion. By volume, production dropped 8% to 98.8 million carats. Total imports slipped 8% by volume, while global exports declined 7%.

The dip in exports reflects a 1.8% slump in the number of carats exported from Russia, and a slide of 10% from Canada, 41% from Zimbabwe and 63% from Lesotho.