Net U.S. Rough Diamond Imports Rise 391.5% in February

Imports of rough diamonds by the U.S. marked a very large year-over-year revival in February. The U.S. imported $29 million worth of rough diamonds in February. Net rough diamond imports totaled $12.58 million.

The total volume of gross imports stood at 48,239 carats averaging $601.76 per carat. These imports are a 391.5 percent increase in value, a 126.4 percent increase in volume and a 117.1 percent rise in average value compared to February 2009.

Rough diamond exports rose 182.3 percent to $16.45 million. The volume of the month’s exports weighed 83,746 carats, a 34.8 percent year-over-year increase. The average value, $196.42 p/c, is a 109.5 percent leap.

Botswana was the leading rough diamond supplier to the U.S., shipping $8.54 million worth of goods with an average value of $301.16 p/c.

Israel was the leading destination of rough diamond exports, some $7.71 million worth of rough with an average value of $504.45 p/c.