Rough Diamond Prices Soar in Belgium

(IDEX Online News) – Although Belgium’s rough diamond trade is still below last year’s trade levels, it is increasing in value compared to previous months. In March, Belgium exported $1.41 billion worth of rough diamonds, the highest figure since September 2012.

The exports are a 23.6-percent jump compared to February yet a 3.9-percent year-over-year decline, based on figures published by AWDC. The volume of exports dropped to 8.9 million carats.

The average value of exports, $157.46 per carat (p/c), soared 42.2 percent compared to February and 21.5 percent compared to March 2012, showing some recovery from the recent low prices.

The average price of rough diamond imports also increased sharply. Imports averaged $144.09 p/c, up 33 percent month-over-month but down 1.3 percent year-over-year.

Rough diamond imports of 8.2 million carats in March totaled $1.18 billion.