BEIJING: China’s polished-diamond imports increased 7% in the first half, according to the latest figures. Shipments into the country hit $3.32 billion during the six months, recent data from the China Customs Information Center showed. By volume, imports crept up 1% to 3.6 million carats, with the average price growing 5% to $931 per carat.
Polished exports slid 33% to $533 million, meaning the nation’s net polished imports — inbound minus outbound shipments — grew 21% to $2.78 billion. Rough imports fell 26% to $245 million, and rough exports slid 65% to $8 million. Net rough imports dropped 23% to $238 million. China’s first-half net diamond account — calculated as total imports minus total exports — increased 15% to $3.02 billion.
