Polished exports from Belgium rose 0.7% in October compared to the same period last year, while imports rose 7.6%, in a month disrupted by various holidays.

According to figures released by Antwerps High Diamond Council (HRD), exports of polished for the month totalled $684 million. Polished imports were $676 million.

In volume terms, exports fell 9.3% and imports dropped 1.4%.

For the first ten months of the year, polished exports rose 9.0% to $7.3 billion and imports fell 9.4% to $6.9 billion.

In terms of volume, exports were down 3.1% at 7.9 million carats, while imports dropped 5.8% to 8.2 million carats.

The US remains the major destination for polished diamonds from Belgium, accounting for over 30% of exports so far this year. However, exports for the year to date were marginally lower at $2.3 billion.