U.S. Rough Imports Shrink in Value, Triple in Volume

The U.S. imported in May 243,529 carats of rough to the tune of $75.58 million, tripling (314.26%) in volume while dropping 13.94 percent in value compared to May 2006. This has considerably harmed the average value of rough imports, which sank 79.23 percent to $310.34 per carat, compared to $1,493.97 p/c last year.

South Africa is the main source for U.S. rough, shipping in May 11,792 carats with a declared value of $40.59 million, for an average of $3,442.16 p/c. Following is Botswana, which was source of 30,991 carats worth $12.58 million, an average of $405.83 p/c.

Belgium was a modest source of rough, though it was the highest value in May. Imports of 33 carats worth $192,582 averaged $5,835.82 p/c.

Imports in the first five months of 2007 totaled 450,325 carats worth $352.7 million, an average of $783.22 p/c.