Last year, 2013, proved to be the second best year ever for Antwerp’s diamond trade. It clocked a total of US$ 55 billion of traded goods, very close to the record US$ 56.6 billion in 2011. The 2013 annual figures are in line with the trade analysis of the past decade.

In 201, the total value of rough diamond exports and imports rose 8 percent (on y-o-y basis) over US$ 27.8 billion. The country imported 90.6 million carats of rough diamonds and 106,5 million carats of rough diamond exports. This is being attributed to the strategy of expanding Antwerp’s scope in the world, and its in-house tender facility. Last year also saw Antwerp reinforcing its ties with Alrosa with a new cooperation agreement, and hosting the first trial tender of Marange goods in December. A second larger tender including goods of higher quality is scheduled in February. Antwerp is also looking at the future cooperation with Stornoway in the Renard project, and other initiatives being currently developed.

The polished diamond trade rose 4 percent (on y-o-y basis) in total, valuing US$ 27.2billion. The US continues to be Antwerp’s prime polished diamond export market, closely followed by China. Trade to Dubai and South Africa has increased while the European market remains relatively stable for Antwerp’s polished diamond trade.