U.S. Polished Imports Are 10% Above 2008 Levels

(IDEX Online News) - Gross U.S. polished diamond imports totaled $1.94 billion in March, a 25.7% year-over-year increase. A net of $386.8 million remained in the U.S. after $1.56 billion were exported, based on figures released by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

By value, gross polished imports of 1.3 million carats were a 10.9% increase from March of last year. After exports of 1.4 million carats, the country exported 106,200 carats more than it imported.

The average value of gross imports stood at $1,461.04 p/c, a strong 13.3% increase that underlines the rising price of polished diamonds.

It is interesting to note that gross imports in March of this year are some 10% higher by value and volume than during pre-crisis March 2008.

Israel led the list of polished suppliers with 239,627 carats worth $833.3 million at an average value of $3,477.59 p/c. India was source of 885,047 carats worth $569.3 million ($643.19 p/c), followed by Belgium - 145,232 carats worth $309.8 million at $2,132.85 p/c.

Source: US Dept of Comm.