Another Double Digit Rise in Japan's Diamond Imports

The strong figures hide a small 6.1 percent decrease compared to June of this year, based on figures published by Momozawa & Co., Inc. Japan.

The volume of polished imports, 200,546 carats, is a 41.9 percent year-over-year increase and a 5.2 percent month-over-month increase.

July was the second month in a row of declining average value, while the volume of imports registered a third month of increases.

These figures may indicate a continuation of demand growth, with a shift to lower cost goods. Year-over-year, the average value of imports declined 7.9 percent to $426.01 per carat. Compared to June the average value declined 10.7 percent.

In the first seven months of 2012, Japan imported 1.1 million carats worth $525.4 million averaging $469.34 p/c. This is a 1.7 percent decrease in volume, 21.3 percent increase in value and 23.3 percent increase in the average value of imports.

Source: Momozawa & Co., Inc. Japan