Antwerp Came Close to Record Trading Figures in 2013
January 26, 14
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The total value of traded goods amounted to $55 billion compared with the record figure of $56.5 billion in 2011. Trading in rough diamonds rose 8 percent, and for polished goods increased by 4 percent.
Antwerp has "clearly reinforced and even further expanded its position as market leader" over the past three years," the AWDC said.
Last year, 90.6 million carats of rough diamonds were imported and 106.5 million carats were exported with a combined value of $27.8 billion. The AWDC said the rise was due to its strategy of expanding the industry's scope around the world. The rise in rough trading was also boosted by the establishment of the AWDC's tender facilities "allowing both large and small producers to sell goods fast, efficiently and at the best price".
The AWDC also reinforced ties with major trading partners such as Alrosa. Currently, 65 percent of the Russian producer's output is traded in Antwerp.
The AWDC also aims to reinforce ties with Zimbabwe to enable its diamonds from Marange to be traded in Antwerp. A second, larger, tender of goods of higher quality from Marange is due to take place next month following a sale in December.
AWDC President Stephane Fischler told a media briefing that Antwerp, via its 20/20 plans for the future, intended to strengthen the city as a trading hub, including being "more aggressive in partnerships with producers around the world".
He said the diamond industry needed to stop looking at issues with a short-term approach, and to take a long-term view. "We need to articulate our views and policies very clearly and we need to be more open and transparent."
Fischler forecast that rough diamond prices would rise by 4-5 percent in 2014. "The high rises in rough prices that we saw in 2011 are unsustainable and were caused to some degree by irresponsible behavior."
He said that Belgium's diamond export markets are developing healthily, including the United States which performed well last year. China and India are also faring well, while Europe is recovering from the financial crisis of the last several years.
Speaking on the issue of the Antwerp Diamond Trade Fair, he said that it played an important role because Antwerp had not always promoted itself strongly as a diamond center. "The fair is giving emotional strength to Antwerp companies and strengthens morale. It helps to create opportunities and it brings a lot of people here who otherwise do not visit. Because of these reasons it is very important for the AWDC to sponsor the fair."