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RAPAPORT... U.S. polished diamond imports rose 10.8 percent year on year to $1.866 billion in December, with the average price up 11.8 percent to $2,275 per carat. Polished exports increased 8.9 percent to $1.386 billion, leaving net imports up 17.1 percent to $480 million. Rough diamond imports plummeted 71.6 percent to $23 million in December, while rough exports fell 53.3 percent to $21 million, leaving net imports of only $2 million compared with $36 million one year ago. The net diamond account in December, reflecting the difference between net imports and exports, improved 8.1 percent to $482 million. Polished diamond imports during 2014 rose 5.3 percent year on year to $24.052 billion, while polished exports jumped 9.6 percent to $20.93 billion. Both figures set record highs; however, net imports plummeted 16.8 percent to $3.123 billion. Rough imports were reduced 0.5 percent to $548 million, while rough exports surged 17.3 percent to $366 million, leaving net imports down 24.1 percent to $180 million. The net diamond account contracted 17.2 percent year on year to $3.303 billion in 2014.
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