Belgian Polished Exports Surge Higher on Year in October

(IDEX Online News) – Belgian exports of polished diamonds soared in October to $1.33 billion from $1.06 billion a year before, according to figures published by the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC).

Exports in volume terms last month totaled 633,746 carats compared with 601,053 carats in October 2012. The average price per carat jumped to $2,097 from $1,757 in October 2012.

Meanwhile, exports of rough diamonds in October slumped to 8.58 million carats from 10.02 million carats a year earlier, and declined to $1.19 billion from $1.24 billion in October last year. The average price per carat rose to $139 from $124 in October 2012.

In imports of rough diamonds in October, there was a decrease to 8.14 million carats from 9.74 million carats last year, while slipping to $1.13 billion from $1.16 billion in 2012. The average price per carat increased to $138 from $119 in October 2012.

Imports of polished diamonds in volume terms in October climbed to 724,662 carats from 685,747 carats, but increased to $1.23 billion from $1.07 billion in October 2012.

The average price per carat showed a significant rise last month – to $1,691 from $1,558 in October 2012.

Belgium's leading export markets for its polished diamonds in financial terms in October were the United States, Hong Kong, Israel, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates.

Exports to the United States last month were $441.3 million from $309.8 million last year, and 77,740 carats from 101,967 carats.

Exports to Hong Kong last month were $187.9 million from $151.3 million last year, and 111,762 carats in October from 87,526 carats in October 2012.