U.S. Polished Imports Mark First Rise in November

For the first time in a year, the U.S.’s polished diamond exports have increased year-over-year. The U.S. in November imported $1.2 billion worth of goods, weighing 909,392 carats, a 10.4 percent rise in value and 36.7 percent increase in volume.

The turnaround reflects the rise in demand at the onset of the holiday season, as well as improved store purchases. Several large retailers, including Signet and Tiffany, reported solid holiday sales. The exception was Zale.

The average value of diamond imports, $1,320.91 per carat, decreased 19.2 percent year over year, partially reflecting the decrease in prices since last year.

Exports were nearly flat compared to last year, shipping out $951.27 million worth of goods, weighing 2.16 million carats at an average of $440.56 p/c.

Net imports totaled $249.95 million. Once again, exports exceeded imports by volume with the U.S. shipping out lower cost goods.