Antwerp H1 Rough Diamond Trade Down 15% in Volume

(IDEX Online News) – Antwerp’s rough diamond trade fell from January-June, compared to the same period in 2014. Polished diamond trade, however, remained more stable, with just a small drop in volume.

Exports of rough diamonds declined 15 percent in volume and 21 percent in value compared to the first six months of 2014. From January through June, the center imported 45.9 million carats of rough diamonds at a value of $6.4 billion, while 49.9 million carats were exported at a value of $6.4 billion. This was a drop of 10 percent by volume and 19 percent by value.

In comparison, polished trade remains relatively stable in comparison to the first half of 2014. The volume of polished diamond exports declined by just 1.69 percent to 3.6 million carats, at a value of $7.1 billion, while imports dropped 0.05 percent.

In terms of value, this translated into a decline of 3.59 percent in exports and 3.58 percent in imports.  

During the first six months of 2015, 3.2 million carats were exported at a value of $7.3 billion, while 3.2 million carats were exported at a value of $7.3 billion.

The Antwerp Diamond World Centre (AWDC) said that while trade with Hong Kong – its top export partner –increased, value declined, indicating that lower quality goods were traded.  

The center said that this was a trend overall as consumers look for more affordable diamond jewelry with a lower carat content.