Armenia’s exports of polished diamonds in the first half more than doubled

Armenia’s exports of polished diamonds in the first half of 2016 more than doubled from the year ago to 69,500 carats, according to the official data of the Customs Service.

According to statistics, the customs value of exported diamonds amounted to $45 million, up from $29.7 million in the first six months of 2015.

The bulk of polished diamonds- about 72.1%- was exported to Belgium, the Russian Federation and the UAE. Exports to Russia and the UAE are said to have increased, while exports to Belgium have declined.

More exactly, exports of polished diamonds to Russia grew to 38,800 carats during the first six months of 2016 (worth $9.9 million) from 3,000 carats (worth $1.6 million) a year ago. Exports to the UAE grew to 2, 300 carats ($6.9 million) from 1,600 carats ($727,400).

Exports of Armenian polished diamonds to Belgium decreased from 9,900 carats ($15.6 million) to 9,500 carats ($15.8 million).

According to the National Statistical Service, Armenia’s overall exports in the first six months of 2016 surged by 16.7% year-on-year to $815 million.