The United States imported in $46.69 million worth of rough diamonds January, totaling 13,113 carats in weight. Net imports stood for 2010's first month totaled $30.87 million, while rough diamond exports came to $16 million.

IDEX Online said that South Africa was the leading supplier of rough diamonds to the US in January, shipping $26.47 million, or 3,064 carats; followed by Botswana ($9.8 million) and Angola ($4.8 million).

In terms of volume, the majority of the US rough diamond exports were destined to Belgium (36,592 carats), but in terms of value, most of the exports were to Israel ($9.86 million).