Japan’s Polished Diamond Imports Declined in February

(IDEX Online News) - After months of growing imports, Japan’s polished diamond imports declined in February, the month before it was hit by an 8.9-magnitude earthquake. The country imported $50.2 million worth of polished diamonds in February, a 7.6% year over year decline.

The volume of imports, 176,328 carats, declined by 5.4% compared to last year, based on figures published today (Monday) by Momozawa & Co., Inc.

Month over month, imports dropped 30.7% by value and 27.6% by volume.

India continues to be Japan’s leading diamond supplier, shipping 127,710 carats worth $27.2 million. Belgium was source for $10.2 million worth of goods, followed by Israel which shipped to Japan diamonds worth $5.7 million.