U.S. Rough Diamond Imports Flat in April

The U.S. imported in April 40,369 carats of rough diamonds with a declared value of $51.58 million, and average of $1,277.77 p/c (per carat). This is a 35.38 percent drop in volume compared to April 2006, yet practically unchanged in value (-0.02%). The drop in caratage pushed the average value up a sharp 54.72 percent.

South Africa was the leading supplier of rough goods, shipping 12,892 carats worth $16.79 million, an average of $1302.09 p/c.

Imports of rough from Congo (DROC) of 2,166 carats were worth $13.5 million, an average of $6,231.93 p/c.

Lesotho was the source of the highest valued goods per carat, source of 132 carats worth $2.19 million, or $16,600.32 p/c.