Antwerp Polished Trade Falls 5% by Volume in 2014
February 02, 15
(IDEX Online News) – Antwerp’s rough and polished diamond trade increased to a record $58.8 billion in 2014, surpassing the 2012 record of $56.5 billion. In total, 227.2 million carats were traded through the hub.
Rough diamond imports and exports rose significantly compared to 2013. Rough diamond exports reached 114.5 million carats, at a value of at $15.7 billion, an increase of 7.5 percent by volume and 7 percent by value.
Compared to 2013, imports rose 10 percent by volume and 13 percent by value. In total, Antwerp imported 99.9 million carats at a total value of $14.9 billion.
The polished diamond situation was less positive. In terms of volume, exports fell by 5 percent. However, the total value of exported polished diamonds rose by 4 percent, indicating more high value goods were traded.
Total polished diamond exports hit 6.4 million carats, with a value of $14.4 billion.
Hong Kong remained the top destination for polished diamonds, followed by the United Arab Emirates and the United States, respectively.
In terms of value, however, the United States topped the list, followed by Hong Kong and Israel.
The majority of rough goods leaving Antwerp went to India, followed by the United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong. In terms of rough imports, the Russian Federation remained Antwerp’s first trading partner.