In November 2012, Belgium’s polished diamond exports declined 8 percent (on y-o-y basis) to $1.153 billion, while in volume terms it dropped 12 percent (on y-o-y basis) to 562,722 carats. The average price of the polished goods increased 1 percent to $1,840.73 per carat.
With respect to country-wise exports of polished diamonds, the exports to U.S. increased 16 percent to $372.3 million, while to Hong Kong it rose 31 percent to $266.9 million. Israel received $122.5 million worth of polished diamonds from Belgium, reflecting a 27 percent drop.
Imports of polished diamonds into Belgium declined 11 percent to $1.035 billion. The net polished exports (valued as excess of exports over imports), increased 34 percent to $117.92 million.
Rough diamond imports rose 10 percent to $1.1 billion, and exports dropped 11 percent to $1.044 billion. The country’s net rough imports (valued as excess of imports over exports), rose $56.1 million (the same stood at a deficit of $172.06 million in November 2012).
Belgium’s net diamond account in the month (Valued as total polished and rough exports less total imports), dropped 76 percent to $61.83 million.