Antwerp’s diamond imports and exports figures in May showed continued strong demand in May, according to Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC).



Polished exports in May rose by 33.2% in volume terms compared to May last year to 839,372 carats. By value, polished exports jumped 51.2% to $1.4 billion from May last year.



May rough exports fell by 8.0% to 10.1 million carats in May. However, in value terms rough exports jumped 71.7% to $1.47 billion.



"The market continues to be prepared to pay rising prices for rough and polished goods. Buyers are continuing to pay higher dollar amounts for lower volumes of diamonds," AWDC’s Diamond Office said in a statement.



Polished imports in May were up 48.2%, totaling 907,582 carats. By value imports of polished rose 63.8% to $1.20 billion.



Rough diamond imports totaled 9.32 million carats, a 6.6% increase in volume terms. By value rough imports soared 99.3% in May compared to the same month last year, according to AWDC’s figures.