Belgium’s Rough Exports $1.13 Billion in April

(IDEX Online News) – While the volume of Belgium’s rough diamond trading declined in April, the value of its exports increased compared to last year. The trading center exported in April 7.06 million carats of rough valued at $1.13 billion, falling 32.3% by volume yet rising 26.4% by value compared to April 2010.

The increase in value reflects escalating prices of rough diamonds, while the reason for the sharp decline in volume is not clear.

Imports of rough fell by 30.3% in volume to 7.01 million carats, while the value slipped by 4.7% to $857.3 million.

Antwerp bumped up the value of rough coming through by 30.7%, as evident by the average value of the trade goods. The average value of imports stood at $122.23 p/c, rising to $159.76 p/c when exported. The figures, based on data released by AWDC, include gem and industrial rough diamonds.

Belgium’s net rough diamond export in April is 52,674 carats worth $271.7 million.