Belgium’s rough diamond trade saw a slight growth in November, with exports rising 0.96 percent from the same period in 2018 and imports exhibiting a moderate decline of 6.86 percent.

The country reported modest growth in rough exports for the first time in 2019, with January to October shipments demonstrating consistent downsturns.

According to data from the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), year-on-year figures showed that from January to November this year, rough diamond exports dropped 27.84 percent while imports plunged 26.32 percent compared to 2018.

Polished diamond exports meanwhile were down 22.16 percent in November as imports plummeted 26.78 percent. January to November shipments also saw a 12.57 percent year-on-year reduction while imports fell 11.28 percent. Belgium's top export markets for polished diamonds are the US, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Israel and the UAE. Its major polished import partners are the US, Hong Kong, India, Switzerland and the UAE. 

In October, polished diamond exports dropped 30 percent while imports were down 25.69 percent, AWDC said. From January to October, year-on-year figures dipped 11.73 percent and 10.06 percent for exports and imports, respectively.

Rough diamond trade in October were likewise in the red – sliding by 38.7 for exports and 30.35 percent for imports. January to October exports dropped 30.15 percent while imports were 28.2 percent lower compared to 2018.