Global rough-diamond output grew 2% to $14.47 billion last year, reflecting higher production in Botswana, according to data the Kimberley Process (KP) released last week.
The average price increased 4% to $97 per carat, outweighing a 2% decline in production volume to 148.4 million carats, the figures showed.
Russia remained the world’s principal source of rough, despite its recoveries falling 3% to $3.98 billion. Botswana was largely responsible for the overall increase in value, with the nation’s output rising 6% to $3.53 billion for the year. Production in Canada increased 2% to $2.1 billion. Source – www.diamonds.net Rapaport
