U.S. Rough Diamond Imports Average $3,318 p/c in June

An unusually sharp rise in the average value of rough diamonds imported to the U.S. was noted in June, climbing 479 percent year-over-year to $3,318.32 per carat. From May, the average price jumped 45.32 percent from $2,283.39 p/c.

The U.S. imported 28,295 of rough diamonds in June with a value of $93.89 million - a 76.4 drop in volume and a 36.6 percent leap in value.

Exports of 164,916 carats in June were worth $21.43 million, averaging a low $129.92 p/c. As seen in the past months, the U.S. is importing high value goods, and exporting the bottom of the barrel.

Net trade in June resulted in an outflow of 136,621 carats, and in flow of $72.47 million, averaging $530 p/c.

In the first half of 2008, the U.S. imported 392,259 carats of rough diamonds with a stated value of $448.3 million, averaging $1,143 p/c.