U.S. polished diamond imports rise 25%

In January 2011, U.S. recorded a 25 percent increase in imports of polished diamonds to $1.59 billion, and a 39 percent increase in polished diamond exports amounting to $1.26 billion. Reports state that the increase is the highest since July 2008. The country’s net polished diamond imports reduced 8 percent to $326 million.

Imports of rough diamonds rose 19 percent to $56 million and exports by more than doubled to $34 million. Net rough imports dropped 29 percent to $22 million. The country’s net diamond account (combining net polished and net rough imports) valued $348 million, dropping 10 percent.