RAPAPORT... Belgium's polished exports in October fell 13.2 percent to $785.5 million, compared with one year ago, according to data published by Antwerp Facets. Polished diamond imports fell 21 percent to $764 million, giving Belgium a net export total of $21.5 million, compared with an export deficit of $63 million in October 2008.

Rough imports to Belgium increased 12 percent to $746.8 million in October, while rough exports increased 9.5 percent to $678.1 million. Net rough imports rose 37 percent to $68.7 million. Belgium's net diamond account —net polished exports less net rough imports — improved 58 percent from one year ago, but remained in a deficit of $47.2 million.

For the year to date, polished diamond exports have dropped 34 percent to $7.1 billion, while polished imports have fallen 38 percent to $6.6 billion. Rough imports have fallen 47 percent to $5.2 billion and rough exports have dropped 42 percent to $5.7 billion. The net diamond account for the January through October period came close to $1 billion, which was a marked improvement from the deficit of $308.9 million recorded one year ago.

LH