Antwerp’s rough diamond imports up 12% in May

In May 2014, Antwerp’s rough diamond imports rose 11 percent in volume to 7,38 million carats and 12 percent in value to 1,18 billion USD, on y-o-y basis. Rough diamond exports jumped 8.72 percent to 8,94 million carats and amounted valued to 1,29 billion USD.

The positive results for the rough diamond trade continues to reflect the positivity of the first four months of 2014.

Polished diamond imports dropped on y-o-y basis, owing to mainly to decrease of imports from USA, Israel and Switzerland. In terms of Switzerland, last year, the goods from the Basel show returned in May, while this year diamonds returned in April, therefore explaining the relative decrease of imported goods in May 2014. Exports and import to China also reflected a slight decline, following a strong month of April.