In August 2008, polished imports into Belgium increased by rose 31 percent to $929.25 million, while its polished exports dipped by 16 percent to $404.70 million, as reported by the Antwerp World Diamond Centre. This resulted in the polished export net decreasing to negative territory of $524.55 million, from net export of negative $227.56 in August 2007. %% The rough diamond portfolio for the month showed a reverse of increase in exports by 9 percent to $937.31 million and fall in imports by 18 percent to $664.59 million. The net rough imports also fell into negative territory at $272.72 million, while in August 2007 it had was a negative $54.14 million. The net diamond account (net polished exports less net rough imports) fell 45 percent to a deficit of $251.83 million. %% The period between January to August, saw Belgium’s polished exports increase by 22 percent to $8.39 billion, and polished imports also rise by 28 percent to $8.28 billion. Although, the net polished exports in the eight months fell by 71 percent to $110.21 million. Import of roughs increased by 7 percent to $8.15 billion, and rough exports increased by 17 percent to $7.94 billion. The net rough imports dipped almost similar as polished diamonds by 72 percent to $245.92 million. The net diamond account for the eight months increased by 73 percent but recorded a deficit of $135.70 million.