Antwerp Stocks Up On Polished in August

Antwerp's diamond traders took advantage of the slow summer activity – and in some cases lower prices – and stocked up on polished and rough diamonds before the season starts.

While officially on vacation, those at work purchased more then they sold. Belgium imported $677.6 million worth of polished diamonds, compared to exports of $353.8 million, increasing stocks by $323.7 million in August.

In volume, imports of 627,739.61 carats versus exports of 267,079.77 carats left 360,659.84 carats of polished diamonds in the diamond trading center.

India was the leading source of polished diamonds, 228,212 carats worth $173.5 million. India was followed by the U.S (54,235 carat at $135.9 million) and Hong Kong (88,406 carats worth $65.8 million).

The U.S. was the leading destination of Belgium's exports, 39,322 carats worth $112.7 million.