Belarus Rough Diamond Imports Drop 61% in 2009
February 14, 10 by IDEX Online Staff Reporter
Belarus imported 38,300 carats of rough diamonds in 2009, 61 percent less than in 2008, according to Interfax, which cited figures from the Belarusian Finance Ministry. Imports in value fell 74.4 percent to $8.76 million.
The ministry said the imports had plummeted due to shrinking demand for cut and polished diamonds abroad. Belarus imported rough diamonds from Russia, Israel, Belgium and Sierra Leone last year.
Belarus exported 8,800 carats of rough natural diamonds in 2009, a 61.6 percent decrease in the volume of exports compared to 2008. These exports fell 75 percent in value to $1.13 million. Belarus produced five Kimberley Process certificates to export the rough to Belgium and, according to the report, Sierra Leone as well.
Belarus has an active diamond polishing industry, focused mostly around the Kristall polishing plant in Gomel. The majority of its manufacturing, 90 percent, is exported.
