Antwerp’s rough diamond imports up 30% to $1,1 billion in August

The Antwerp diamond industry noted a rise in imports and exports of rough diamonds in August this year, comparing its performance to August 2013. Rough diamond imports increased 16 percent in volume (6,75 million carats) and 30 percent in value($1,1 billion). Exports of rough diamonds rose in volume by 31 percent and 36 percent in value, for a total of 4,74 million carats worth $675 million.

The rough diamond trade in August this year, continues the positive trading streak of this year.

Polished diamond imports dropped 3 percent in volume and 7 percent in value (on y-o-y basis), or totaling around 5,02, 000 carats valued at $833 million. Country-wise there was a rise of imports from Hong Kong by 47 percent in volume, from Israel by 104 percent.

Polished diamond exports declined overall by 15 percent in volume and 12 percent in value, amounting to almost 2,22,000 carats and $484 million. Country-wise the exports witnessed a mix of increases and drops in both value and volume. For the United States, there was a 26 percent volume upturn to just above 38,000 carats and 16 percent rise in value to $155 million. The said exports to UAE dropped 44 percent in volume to just over 25,000 carats and by 40 percent in value to $26 million. Exports to China rose 94 percent (on y-o-y basis) in volume to about 15,000 carats, valued at $23 million, is being attributed to considerable fall in trade last year.