Global production of diamonds in 2010 increased 10.8 percent in volume and 45 percent in value, according to annual rough diamond statistics published by the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS). Global diamond production in 2010 totaled 133.1 million carats worth almost US$12 billion compared to 120.2 million carats worth US$8.3 billion in 2009. The average price per carat totaled US$90.13, a 31 percent year-over-year increase in value.

According to the KPCS data, nearly US$38 billion worth of rough diamonds were respectively imported and exported globally, signifying a value increase in global trade of 52 percent compared to 2009. Volume-wise, nearly 414 million carats were traded in the markets this year.

Top Producer Countries

Volume-wise, Russia topped the list of producer countries in 2010 reporting 34.9 million carats, while Botswana followed with 22 million carats.  Conversely, in terms of production value, Botswana was the highest-ranked producer country with a total of US$2.6 billion worth of diamonds, while Russia reported US$2.4 billion. Russia held the positions of top producer by volume and value a year ago.

The year's other top producers by volume were the Democratic Republic of Congo, with 20.2 million carats; South Africa, with 13.7 million carats; and Canada, with 11.8 million carats.

By value, the year's other top producers were Canada, with US$2.3 billion worth of diamonds; South Africa, with US$1.8 billion worth of diamonds; and Angola, with US$976 million worth of diamonds.

Other countries who reported notable production volumes included Australia, with nearly 10 million carats; Angola, with 8.4 million carats; Zimbabwe, with 8.4 million carats; and Namibia, with 1.7 million carats.

The KPCS data notes that Venezuela did not report 2010 statistics due to its voluntary suspension of exports and imports. Additionally, the Ivory Coast is also not trading in rough diamonds as it is currently under UN sanctions, adds the report.

Top Importers

The KPCS data reports that India was the top importer by volume in 2010, importing 165.2 million carats. The European Community followed with 141.8 million carats. The UAE imported 43.5 million carats, followed by Israel, with 26.7 million carats and China, with 18 million carats.

By value, the European Community was the largest importer in 2010, bringing in US$13.6 billion worth of rough. India followed, with US$11.2 billion. Israel imported US$4.4 billion worth of rough, followed by UAE with US$2.05 billion and China, with US$2.02 billion.

To download the KPCS pie charts representing 2010 imports, production, exports and KP certificate counts, click on the icon below: