Japan’s Polished Imports Decline 11.5% in September

Japan imported $69.9 million worth of polished diamonds in September of this year, an 11.5 percent decline compared to September 2006. Imports of 177,233 carats marked a 26 percent decline in the volume of imports, resulting in an average price of $394.38 per carat (p/c), $64.62, or 19.59 percent, higher than last year.

In the first nine months of the year, the country imported $664.76 million in polished diamonds, with a total weight of 1,679,613 carats, averaging $395.78 p/c. This represents a 15.04 percent decline in value and a 17.53 decline in volume compared to 2006.

India was Japan’s leading supplier by value and volume, shipping $25.07 million worth of goods weighing 126,897 carats with an average value of $198 p/c.

Imports from Belgium followed, with 15,120 carats worth $16.15 million, $1,068 p/c. Israel was the source of 6,232 carats valued at $7.11 million, averaging $1,141 p/c.