Exports of rough and polished diamonds from Belgium rose sharply in June, as compared to its exports during the same time period in 2010.



Figures compiled by the Diamond Office of Antwerp World Diamond Centre show that in June 2011, polished diamond exports from Belgium were 22% higher than in the previous June. Monetarily, that translates to a 38% rise at $1.51 billion.



Meanwhile, rough exports actually fell 13.3% in terms of carats, yet they increased in terms of dollars by 34%, reaching $1.61 billion dollars in June 2011.



The importation of polished diamonds rose by 37% in June 2011 as compared to June 2010, and rough imports rose by 8% in volume and 60% in value.