U.S. polished diamond imports rise 6.6% in November

In November 2011, the value of polished diamond imports into the U.S. rose 6.6 percent to $1.544 billion, influenced by a 34 percent increase in the average price per carat that stood at a record of $2,024. The volume of polished diamond imports into the country slipped by 21 percent on y-o-y basis reaching 762,560 carats.

The exports of polished diamonds in value terms rose 29 percent to $1.461 billion on y-o-y basis. The net polished diamond imports were $83 million ($316 million in November 2010).

The value of rough diamond imports rose 26 percent to $68 million, while that of rough diamond exports saw a strong increase of 58 percent to $41 million.

The country’s net rough diamond imports touched $27 million, which was the same as a year earlier. The U.S. net diamond account, (valued as total imports less exports) valued $110 million indicating a 68 percent drop on y-o-y basis.