U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Inch Up to $1.32 Billion

The U.S. imported $1.32 billion worth of polished diamonds in June, a 1.55 percent rise over June 2006. Imports declined 15.52 percent in volume to 985,214 carats, pushing up the average price per carat by 20.19 percent to $1,340.73.

The average price per carat of U.S. imports has been on a steady rise, increasing from $1,029.68 in January by 30.21 percent to the current $1,340.73.

Imports form Israel totaled $711.2 million on imports of 258,175 carats, averaging a high $2,754.90 p/c. Belgium supplied the U.S. with $250 million worth of goods weighing 112,392 carats, an average of $2,224.30 p/c.

India, the largest supplier by volume, shipped $235.2 million in polished goods weighing 518,433 carats and averaging $453.58 p/c.

The average value of imports from Switzerland in June was $21,569.39 p/c. The European finance haven was the source of 942 carats worth $20.3 million.