Polished imports into U.S. increase 86% in value in March 2010

The United States’ polished diamond imports increased both in value and volume terms in March 2010. There was an 86 percent increase in value of polished imports to $1.55 billion, as compared to the same month last year; and a 63 percent increase in volume of polished imports to 1.212 million carats, with average prices increasing 14 percent to $1,281.98 per carat.

Exports of polished diamonds increased 68 percent to $1.22 billion. Net polished imports (excess of imports over exports) rose three times to $336 million from the same period last year.

Import of rough diamonds increased 137 percent to $45 million, and exports by 82 percent to $20 million, in March 2010. The net rough imports (excess of imports over exports), rose three times to $25 million.

The country’s March net diamond account (total imports less total exports0 increased 203 percent to $361 million.

The quarterly results of diamond exports and imports of U.S. indicate the country’s net diamond account rising by 184 percent to $1.05 billion.