Belgium high on exports in first three quarters; imports also surge

In a report by the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), Belgian was surging with higher imports and exports of rough and polished diamonds in the first three quarters of 2007, when compared to the corresponding period of last year.

In the case of polished stones, volume of exports increased by 8.5% from last year’s comparable period, to now value at 7.03 million carats. The value of exports was also higher by 10.7% to $7.85 billion, up from last year’s $7.09 billion. India received supplies higher by 256% to $307.81 million, and by 189% to 573,125.22 in carats; the average value being $537.08 per carat.
As far as imports go, Belgium increased its imports by 2.7% to 7.28 million carats, and by 5.6% to $7.23 billion in value.

Citing business for roughs, exports were higher by 14.3% to 109.7 million carats, and 19.8% to $8.46 billion. Also, imports scaled up by 2.6% 101 million carats and 12.5% jump in value, amounting to $7.6 billion.