Belgium’s gross polished diamond exports rose 30 percent year on year to $1.64 billion in September, according to the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC). By volume, exports fell 9 percent to 731,220.61 carats as the average price of these goods was 44 percent higher year on year at $2,244.42 per carat.

''What almost certainly would be a factor influencing the September polished diamond export was the massive Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, which took place at two venues between September 19 and September 25,'' AWDC explained. ''Some 88 Belgian companies exhibited at the show, and the goods they shipped to the event are included in the monthly data.''

Exports to Hong Kong grew 20 percent to $697.2 million, even as the volume of those exports remained in line with September 2010 data. Exports to the U.S. rose 34 percent to $343.2 million and exports to Switzerland more than tripled to $135.5 million.

Belgium’s gross polished imports increased 32 percent to $1.53 billion during the month with imports from Hong Kong rising 25 percent to $597.1 million.

Net polished exports, representing the excess of exports over imports, grew 5 percent to $110.3 million.

The country’s rough imports rose 61 percent to $1.03 billion while rough exports increased 27 percent to $1.06 billion. Net rough imports, the excess of rough imports over exports, improved by 84 percent to a deficit of $32.4 million.

Belgium’s September net diamond account, representing total polished and rough exports less total imports, increased 53 percent to $142.7 million.

During the first nine months of the year, Belgium’s polished exports increased 37 percent to $11.07 billion, while imports rose 38 percent to $10.59 billion. Net polished exports grew 19 percent to $485.7 million.

Rough imports jumped 53 percent to $10.71 billion and rough exports increased 40 percent to $11.31 billion. Net rough imports for the period grew 44 percent to a deficit of $604.1 million.

Belgium’s net diamond account for January through September fell 27 percent to $1.09 billion.