Data released by the Antwerp World Diamond Centre Diamond Office states 25.5 percent increase (y-o-y) in the value of polished diamond exports from Belgium in August amounting to $353.8 million. In volume, the said exports rose 11 percent (y-o-y) to 267,079 carats. Polished diamond imports rose 20.9 percent (y-o-y) in volume to 627,739 carats and by 31.4 percent (y-o-y) in value to $677.6 million in the same month.

Rough diamonds exported in the month valued $555.0 million rising 37.9 percent (y-o-y) and were 6.2 million carats in volume increasing 21.3 percent (y-o-y). Belgium imported 7.70 million carats of rough diamonds a rise of 16.7 percent (y-o-y) valuing $781.8 million a rise of 51.7 percent (y-o-y).

According to the AWDC, the performance of rough and polished diamond trade in value and volume indicate a readiness amongst the diamond pipeline, the jewellery manufacturing sector to restock in wholesale and retail sectors.