U.S. polished diamond imports up 27% in April

In April 2011, polished diamond imports to the US jumped 27 percent to $1.71 billion (on y-o-y basis), but dipped in volume by 2 percent to 1.025 million. The average price of the diamonds rose 29 percent (y-o-y) to $1,671.31 per carat. Exports of polished diamonds in the month were up 35 percent in value to $1.32 billion and the net polished import (excess of imports over exports) was up 6 percent to $397 million.

The rough diamond trade saw a 36 percent jump in exports to $38 million and a 10 percent drop in value of imports to $36 million. The net rough imports stood at a deficit of $2 million, (positive $14 million in April 2010).

The country’s April net diamond account (total imports of polished and rough less total exports) jumped 10 percent to $399 million.