India Rough Diamond Imports Rise in July

India imported $1.138 billion in rough diamonds, weighing 16.051 million carats in July of this year. Compared to 2007, these imports, averaging $70.9 per carat, are a 6.13 percent increase in value and an 18.25 percent decline in volume, continuing the trend witnessed in June.

The one surprising difference between the June and July rough diamond imports is that the average value declined in July compared to June, despite rising rough diamond prices.

In the first four months of the fiscal year, India brought in 60.385 million carats worth $4.326 billion, a 21.4 percent year-over-year rise in value.

Exports of rough diamonds in July totaled $65 million, shipping some 3.066 million carats averaging $21.20 per carat.