Japan’s polished diamond imports in 2009 came to $619.2 million – a 19.7% drop, averaging $285.55 per carat.



According to IdexOnline, diamond imports from India, Japan’s leading diamond supplier, totaled $260.8 million in 2009, marking a 10.4% drop compared to 2008.



Belgium shipped $138.5 million worth of goods to Japan over 2009, representing a 35.8% slip compared to 2008.



According to the report, Japanese consumers' interest in diamonds and diamond jewelry has been decreasing steadily over the past few years.