Belgium Imports Exceed Exports in June

Despite a 19.93 percent rise in exports in June, Belgium imported more polished diamonds last month then it exported – both in value and in volume. This may be the result of the JCK Las Vegas show that opened May 30 and ended June 3. On a semi-annual basis, the trading center saw imports rise sharply in value, while declining in volume.

Exports in June totaled $1.16 billion for shipments of 706,606 carats, a 13.66 percent decline. Imports totaled $1.225 billion with 809,766 carats of polished flowing into the country, a 25.26 percent increase in value and 8.2 percent decline in value.

Net trade during the month created an overhang of 103,160 carats worth $63.06 million. The average value of exports rose to $1,643.68 per carat and imports $1,512.16 p/c.

In the first six months of the year exports grew in value 23.61 percent to $6.525 billion, while declining slightly (1.82%) in volume to 4,678,220 carat. Imports rose 28.63 percent in value to $6.418 billion and 6.5 percent in volume to 5,319,478 carats.

This translates to a net increase of $107 million over the first half of 2007, while creating an overhang of 641,258 carats.