The U.S. recorded a 50 percent increase in imports of polished diamonds in August, amounting to $1.34 billion. Exports of polished diamonds increased 45 percent, to $1.13 billion. Net polished diamond imports rose 77 percent to $207 million.

The import of rough diamonds surged 107 percent to $31 million. Exports of the same jumped 90 percent to $19 million. The net rough import value for the U.S. increased 140 percent to $12 million and net imports of polished and rough diamonds jumped 80 percent to $219 million.