During May 2007, the United States’ imports of roughs increased in volume while its polished diamonds increased in value. In the month, 243,529 carats of rough diamonds valued at $75.58 million were imported. This brought about a 314.26% increase in volume and a 13.94 percent slowdown in value, when compared to figures of the corresponding month, a year back.

With the average imports dipping down 79.23 percent, the per carat cost is now $310.34 compared to $1,493.97 last year. South Africa, the main source for roughs to the U.S., supplied 11,792 carats with a declared value of $40.59 million in May, averaging the price to $3,442.16 p/c. Botswana’s supplies totaled to 30,991 carats worth $12.58 million, making an average price of $405.83 p/c.
The Belgium roughs were of the highest value, of 33 carats worth $192,582, with an average of $5,835.82 p/c.

Comparatively, $1.882 billion polished diamonds weighing 1,336,989 carats were imported, making an average price of $1,407.72 p/c (per carat). This has increased the value of polished imports by 7.38 percent and decreased the quantity by 15.72 percent. The average value has increased 27.41 percent year-over-year.

Polished diamonds imported from Israel, recorded 396,016 carats worth $1.123 billion, with an average of $2,834.54 p/c. Belgium supplied 144,752 carats worth $321 million, with an average price of $2,217.70 p/c. India exported 637,151 carats valued at $259 million with an average of $406.59 p/c. May recorded the highest value of monthly imports compared to the first five months of 2007.