The US imported 1.03 million carats of polished diamonds worth $1.71 billion in April of this year, according to the US Department of Commerce. The gross import figures represent a 1.6% decline in the volume of polished diamond exports, and a 27.2% rise in its value.

The average value of US gross imports, $1,671.56 p/c, is a 29.3% increase over the previous year.

Polished diamond exports followed a similar trend. Exports of 1.08 million carats worth $1.32 billion were a 49.4% decline in volume and a 35.3% increase in value. The average value of exports grew by 167.5% to $1,224.57 p/c.

Net trade in April, imports less exports, totaled $397.4 million.