Antwerp’s imports and exports of both rough and polished diamonds into and from Antwerp were lower in June, compared to the same month a year earlier. However, the rate of the slowdown was below the average decline reported during the first half of the year, according to Antwerp World Diamond Center (AWDC).



This was especially apparent in respect to imports and exports of rough diamonds.

According to the AWDC Diamond Office, 659,320 carats of polished diamonds worth $755.47 million were exported during June, representing respective decreases of 7% and 35%, compared to June 2008.



During the first half of the year, polished diamond exports were 24% lower in carat terms when compared to the first six months of 2008, and 38% lower in US dollar terms.



The average price per carat of polished diamonds fell quite considerably, from $1,635 in June 2008 to $1,145 in June 2009, a reduction of almost 30%.



But while the June 2009 price per carat average was just $5 higher than the average price per carat during the first half of 2009, the price per carat in June 2008 was $236 above that of the average price per carat during the first half of last year.



Antwerp’s exports of polished diamond markets provided a mixed picture.



There appeared to be little change in the United States, which saw a 39% fall in the value of polished diamond imports from Belgium in June, which pretty much equaled its 40% drop in purchases during the first half of the year.



The same was the case for Hong Kong.



However, the value of diamond exports to India from Antwerp was 10% lower in June, compared to an 18% drop during the first half of the year.



The value of diamond exports to mainland Chins fell by a very moderate 4% in June 2009, compared to fall of 22% during the first half of the year.



Polished diamond imports totaled 674,664 carats worth $757.42 million in June, down 17% and 38% respectively compared to the previous year period.



During the first six months of 2009, polished diamond exports were 29% lower in carats terms than during the first half of 2008, and 40% lower in terms of US dollars.

Rough diamond exports in June totaled 10.69 million carats worth $763.17 million, respectively representing decreases of 11% and 35% from the amounts reported in June 2008.



The decline was less dramatic than the 44% decrease in carats and the 53% in US dollars reported during the first half of 2009, compared to the corresponding period in 2008.



June rough diamond imports totaled 7.8% million carats worth $657.90 million, down 17% and 38% respectively when compared to June 2008.



During the first six months of the year rough diamonds fell by 36% in carats and 55% in US dollars.