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Belgium’s Polished Exports Stable in March
Apr 6, 2017 8:01 AM
By Rapaport News
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RAPAPORT... Belgium’s exports of polished diamonds were almost flat in
March, boosted by a significant rise in shipments to India, according to data published
by the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC).
Polished exports crept up 0.4% to $1.17 billion, the AWDC
said. By volume, outbound shipments dropped 1% to 485,409 carats, with the
average price increasing 1% to $2,403 per carat.
Exports to India jumped 58% to $46.6 million, while
shipments to the main consumer markets declined. Exports to the US fell 16% to
$247 million, and to Hong Kong by 3% to $94.7 million. Shipments to Switzerland
grew 4% to $421.2 million as dealers sent goods to the Basel show that took
place March 22 to 27.
Polished imports fell 6% to $1.48 billion, meaning net
polished exports – calculated as exports minus imports – stood as negative
$309.6 million versus negative $408.9 million a year ago.
While the polished market was mixed, rough trading continued
to grow, with rough imports rising 6% to $1.05 billion and rough exports
advancing 2% to $1.14 billion during the month. Net rough imports fell 31% to
$88.9 million.
Belgium’s March net diamond account was negative $220.7
million, compared with negative $280.8 million a year ago.
During the first quarter, polished exports fell 11% to $3.15
billion and polished imports dropped 10% to $3.1 billion. Rough imports
declined 4.4% to $2.92 billion, while rough exports increased 2.3% to $3.26
million.
Belgium’s net diamond account jumped 74% to $400.2 million
during the three-month period.
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Tags:
Antwerp, Antwerp World Diamond Centre, AWDC, Basel Show, Belgium, exports, Hong Kong, India, net diamond account, Polished Diamonds, polished exports, Rapaport News, rough exports, rough imports, Switzerland, US
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