Botswana's Central Statistics Office reported that diamond exports in August rose 14 percent year on year to $504 million (BWP 3.973 billion). Diamonds accounted for nearly 85 percent of the country's exports by value during the month.

Diamond imports in August fell 76 percent year on year to $21 million (BWP 167.9 million).

The government clarified that with the recent relocation of De Beers Diamond Trading Company from London to Gaborone, the country's rough diamond exports will experience ''hiccups,'' owing to the fact that diamonds from all over the world are pooled together before being re-valued and distributed to sightholders.

Total exports in August rose 12 percent year on year to $594 million (BWP 4.684 billion).