Rise in Japan Polished Diamond Imports in July

A 6.4 percent rise in polished diamond imports to Japan was noted in July, totaling $92.61 million on imports of 253,222 carats – a 64.3 percent leap in volume, compared to July of 2005. Average price per carat for all imports was $365.71.

According to data released by The JTC (Jewelry Trade Center, Inc.), Japanese imports from India increased nearly 30 percent in comparison to July 2005, to $38.793 million on a doubling in shipments to 205,211 carats, averaging $189.04 p/c.

Polished diamonds imported from Belgium rose marginally to $24.1 million, decreasing 5.6 percent in volume to 22,901 carats, but held a high average price of $1,052.44 p/c. Imports from Israel were weak in July, decreasing 13.2 percent in value compared to July 2005, to $12.164 million and 11.7 percent in volume to 9,597 carats.

Imports from the U.S. jumped dramatically in per carat value, rising to $3,449.61 after trading under $1,000 at the start of the year, and rising to $1631 in June. This rise comes as imports from the U.S. are shrinking 4.7 percent in value to $4.45 million and over 60 percent in volume to 1,290 carats.