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.