With the Passover and Easter holidays falling in April this year, the Antwerp diamond sector experienced a somewhat quieter month. Nevertheless, strong trade results marked the first four months of the year, which is especially evident when comparing the numbers these months with the first four months in 2013.
Both exports as well as imports of polished diamonds decreased in volume as compared to April 2013. The reason behind the subdued figures is rather simple: the Passover and Easter holidays fell in April this year, while in 2013 they fell in March. Despite the volume decreases, imports saw a value increase of 21,19%.
The notable Swiss import and export numbers reflect the Baselworld activity earlier this year. The goods left for the show in March and returned in April, while last year, they left in April and returned in May.
The significant difference in the volume and value increase on the import side is a result of the high quality of the stones that came back from the Basel show.
The rough diamond trade numbers saw a slight decline as compared to April 2013 as a result of the relatively restrained trading period.
Looking at the first four months of this year we can constitute that the 2014 trade kick-off surpassed that of 2013.
Both imports as well as export figures of polished diamonds increased in value, by 15,43% and 10,39% respectively. The rough figures are better across the board as compared to the first four months of 2013. In terms of volume, imports rose by 10,53% and exports by 11,31% while the value increased by 10,26% and 8,60%, respectively.