The U.S. Exported in September More Rough than it Imported

(IDEX Online News) - The U.S. exported in September more rough diamonds than it imported, the first time this happens since January 2009 at the height of the global financial crisis.

Gross imports in September totaled $16.5 million while exports increased to $26 million, based on data released Wednesday by the U.S. International Trade Commission.

The value of gross imports fell 25.2 percent year-over-year, while the volume, 8,759 carats, declined 38.1 percent. The average value of the gross imports stood at $1,886.61 per carat.

The value of exports increased 49.2 percent compared to September 2009 while the volume of exports soared 83.5 percent to 118,492 carats. The average value of exports, $219.01 p/c, declined 18.7 percent from last year.

The U.S. imported most of its rough diamonds in September from Botswana, South Africa, Canada and Lesotho. It exported most of it to Israel and Belgium.