Russia tops in diamond production, India imports.

At a time when all other diamond mining firms halted operations due to the falling demand, Russia became the top producer of the sparklers in 2009 with 34.8 million carats, or 28 per cent of global production.

And India became the top diamond importer in volume terms with 119.7 million carats, while the EC led in value terms at $9.2 billion.

A report by Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) said the figures were falling short of 2008 levels, despite trade improving from the slowdown in the later part of 2009.

The total diamond production of 124.8 million carats, (dropped 23.4 percent from 2008) was valued $8.64 billion (decreased 32.2 percent from 2008) or an average price per carat of $69.20 p/c (decreased 11.5 percent from 2008).

Russia’s output was 34.8 million carats, or 28 percent of global production, at $2.34 billion or 27 percent of value of global output. The average per carat value was $67.34 per carat. It produced 36.9 million carats worth $3.27 billion in 2008.

Congo came second in volume terms with 21.3 million carats produced at $225.8 million. Average price was $10.60 p/c. Canada is the second largest producer in value terms, with 10.946 million carats at $1.47 billion.

Botswana became the third largest producer in volume - 17.734 million carats, a 56 percent drop from 2008, and in value - $1.44 billion. Rough diamond exports by Kimberley Process members slipped 36 per cent to $24.98 billion, 2009, and imports decreased 35 percent to $25 billion. Amongst the rough diamond exporting centres, the European Community led the category contributing 38 percent by value and volume.
(Source: Diamond World)

Source : commodityonline.com