Belgium’s Rough Diamond Net Exports $127.54 Million in September

Belgium’s international rough diamond trade totaled $1.37 billion in September, as the market was seeing growing activity. Net exports stood at $127.54 million for 2.2 million carats of gem and industrial grade rough diamonds.

Imports and exports peaked in September, yet compared to September 2008 when the financial markets started to collapse, trade was far smaller in value and volume.

Rough diamond exports of $749.34 million are 32.1 percent below last year’s, declining 6.7 percent in volume to 9.98 million carats.

The value of imports fell 44.5 percent to $621.80 million on shipments of 7.78 million carats, which dropped by 34.3 percent compared to September 2008.

While in late September 2008 it was clear that the economic fallout would have a wide impact, earlier in the month rough diamonds were still trading at high prices.