China Sees Jump in Diamond Imports

RAPAPORT… China’s polished-diamond imports increased 7% in the first
half, according to the latest figures.



Shipments into the country hit $3.32 billion during the six
months, recent data from the China Customs Information Center showed. By volume, imports crept up 1% to 3.6 million carats, with the
average price growing 5% to $931 per carat.


Polished exports slid 33% to $533 million, meaning the
nation’s net polished imports — inbound minus outbound shipments — grew 21% to
$2.78 billion.


Rough imports fell 26% to $245 million, and rough exports
slid 65% to $8 million. Net rough imports dropped 23% to $238 million.


China’s first-half net diamond account — calculated as total
imports minus total exports — increased 15% to $3.02 billion.

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