Antwerp's rough diamond imports and exports improved during October, compared to the previous months, according to figures released by Antwerp World Diamond Center (AWDC).



"A full year after the onset of the global financial crisis, the nascent recovery in markets shows signs of continuing to gain strength following figures in the past few months showing the situation had stabilized," AWDC said in a statement. Antwerp's polished diamond exports totaled 645,054 carats in October, or $785.5 million by value.

Polished diamond exports were 5.5% and 13.2% lower, respectively, compared to October last year.



The US remained the main export destination for Belgian diamonds, although it accounted for just 27.1% of Belgium's polished diamonds in financial terms in October.



Polished diamond exports to the US rose 13.5% by volume, but fell 22.7% in value terms, indicating a rise in the average price per carat, AWDC said.



Hong Kong was the second-largest importer of Belgian polished diamonds, with 20.8% more diamonds in volume terms, and a 22.4% rise to $101.0 million.

Polished diamond imports totaled 634,718 carats, a 19.7% decline from last year. By value imports fell 21.1% to $764.0 million.



October rough diamond exports totaled 7.17 million carats worth $678.1 million, representing increases of 15.8% and 9.5% respectively, compared to the same month last year.



Rough diamond imports totaled 9.02 million carats, an increase of 16.8% over October 2008. By value, diamond imports rose 15.1% to $746.8 million during October.