Armenian diamonds go to Belgium, US, UAE

Belgium is the main importer of Armenian diamonds, although certain diversification occurred in 2011, News.am reports.

According to the Committee of State Expenses of Armenia, 351,000 carats of diamonds worth $113 million were sold in 2011. 476,000 carats worth $92 million were sold in 2010.

Diamonds worth about $70 million were exported to Belgium (62% of all diamond exports). The US purchased diamonds worth a total of $6 million, Hong Kong’s Lori purchased worth $1.8 million.

The United Arab Emirates bought diamonds worth $6 million, increasing imports fourfold, compared with 2010. Canada increased exports threefold.

India halved imports of diamonds from Armenia, totaling $2.4 million, in 2011. Switzerland has minimized imports of Armenian diamonds.