Belgium Exports $1.18 Billion of Polished in May

(IDEX Online News) – While Belgium’s polished diamond trade improved in May, it was far below the level of 2011. The downward trend reflects a difficult trading environment and falling demand in the global markets, as well as the tough economic situation in Europe.

During the month, Belgium exported $1.18 billion worth of polished diamonds, a 15.1 percent decline over May 2011. Compared to April, exports increased 25.2 percent, based on figures released by the AWDC.

The average value of exports – $1,771.20 per carat – increased just 6.9 percent year-over-year, but jumped 20.3 percent compared to April.

The volume of exports declined 20.6 percent to 666,613 carats.

Polished diamond imports, of 680,279, worth a stated $1.03 billion, were a 25 percent decline in volume and 14.5 percent in value compared to May 2011.

Compared to April of this year, the value of imports increased 10.3 percent.

The added value of Belgium's polished diamond trade was a high 17.3 percent in May.

In the first five months of 2012, the added value was 13.9 percent.