In October, US polished diamond imports declined by 9.8% to $1.34 billion. Polished diamond exports slid by 12.7% to $921 million. US net polished diamond imports came to $419 million for the month of October, constituting a decline of 2.8% in comparison to the corresponding period last year.



US rough diamond imports declined by 44.6% to $36 million, while rough diamond exports dropped by 4% to $26 million. Net rough diamond imports for the US. dropped by 73.7% to $10 million in October. October's net diamond account, reflecting net polished diamond imports plus net rough diamond imports, declined by 8.5% to $429 million.



For the period of January through October polished diamond imports recorded a 40.6% decline to $10.07 billion, and polished diamond exports dropped 37.5% to $7.82 billion. Net polished diamond imports stood at $2.24 billion, dropping from $4.42 billion in 2008.



Rough diamond imports during the first ten months of the year declined by 68% to $228 million, while rough diamond exports plummeted by 55% to $163 million. The net diamond account for the period of January through October came to $2.31 billion, constituting a 51.6% decline in comparison to 2008.