RAPAPORT... Global rough-diamond production fell 7% to $13.48 billion last year, reflecting lower output in Botswana and Canada, according to new data from the Kimberley Process (KP). Production volume slipped 12% to 130.3 million carats, while the average price increased 6% to $103.41 per carat.
Russia ranked as the top producer, bucking the negative trend with an increase of 3% to $4.12 billion and 5% by volume to 45.3 million carats. Botswana, Canada, Angola and Namibia rounded out the top five producer countries by value, with all but Angola registering a decline in output for the year.
Meanwhile, total rough imports slid 23% to $37.25 billion for 2019, with volume down 12% to 377 million carats, the figures showed. Rough exports fell 27% to $36.64 billion, while volume declined 13% to 371.4 million carats.
China’s rough imports showed the largest decrease, falling 36% to $1.5 billion. India, the largest market for rough imports, slipped 18% to $14.08 billion, while those to the European Union, which mainly comprises the Belgian trade, fell 29% to $8.7 billion. All markets also saw a decline in rough exports.
Top 10 Rough Producers in 2019
| Country |
Value ($M) |
Volume (’000 carats) |
Average price ($/ct.) |
| Russia |
$4,117 |
45,271 |
$91 |
| Botswana |
$3,435 |
23,687 |
$145 |
| Canada |
$1,697 |
18,638 |
$91 |
| Angola |
$1,266 |
9,150 |
$138 |
| Namibia |
$1,010 |
2,018 |
$500 |
| South Africa |
$873 |
7,181 |
$122 |
| Lesotho |
$290 |
1,114 |
$261 |
| Sierra Leone |
$168 |
812 |
$207 |
| Australia |
$159 |
12,999 |
$12 |
| Zimbabwe |
$141 |
2,108 |
$67 |
Top Five Rough Importers in 2019
| |
Value ($M) |
Volume (’000 carats) |
Average price ($/ct.) |
| India |
$14,085 |
158,627 |
$89 |
| European Union |
$8,697 |
101,181 |
$86 |
| United Arab Emirates |
$5,999 |
76,521 |
$78 |
| Israel |
$2,202 |
9,334 |
$236 |
| China |
$1,502 |
10,717 |
$140 |
Top Five Rough Exporters in 2019
| |
Value ($M) |
Volume (’000 carats) |
Average price ($/ct.) |
| European Union |
$9,197 |
105,567 |
$87 |
| United Arab Emirates |
$7,682 |
79,174 |
$97 |
| Botswana |
$3,527 |
28,551 |
$124 |
| Russia |
$3,504 |
39,211 |
$89 |
| Israel |
$1,903 |
6,369 |
$299 |
Source: Kimberley Process
Image: An Alrosa diamond-sorting center in Mirny, Russia. (Alrosa)
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