Japan Polished Diamond Imports Rebounds in June

In a strong reversal from the previous month, Japan’s polished diamond imports in June rose sharply over last year, but with the volume of imports rising even more, the average value of imports was very low.

Japan imported 212,254 carats of polished diamonds worth $60.1 million in June, according to figures published by Momozawa & Co., Inc. Imports rose 35.4 percent by volume and 18 percent by volume compared to June 2009. The average value of imports, $283 per carat, declined 12.9 percent.

Month-over-month, imports increased 25.9 percent by volume and 26.8 percent by value, uncharacteristic for the season. Usually, imports rise in May and decline in June.

India was source of 148,639 carats worth $24.9 million, averaging $167 per carat. Belgium supplied $13 million worth of goods averaging $1,517 p/c, while Israel contributed $6.1 million worth of polished diamonds