Japan’s Diamond Imports Recover from Crash
October 03, 10
The country imported 175,669 carats of polished diamonds, a 26.8 percent increase compared to August 2009 and a minute 0.9 percent decline compared to August 2008, according to data released by Momozawa & Co., Inc.
The average value of $261.83 per carat is unchanged for the past two years.
This is the first time that Japan’s monthly diamond imports are back to pre-recession levels, sending a tentative yet positive sign of recovery. The coming months will show if the recovery is maintained. Most important is this October, when imports for the holiday season traditionally peek.
India supplied Japan with 57.6 percent of imports by value, $26.5 million, and 88.9 percent by volume - 156,164 carat, averaging $170 p/c.
High value goods were imported from Belgium, $6.5 million at an average of $1,417 p/c, and Israel, $3.3 million at an average of $1,440 p/c.
 Source: Momozawa & Co., Inc. Japan |