In 2017, worldwide, rough diamond production increased by nearly a fifth in volume terms owing to a surge in output from the top mining countries, especially Canada, data published by the Kimberley Process (KP) indicates.
Total global rough diamond production in 2017 grew 19.3% to 150.8 million carats, and leaped 29% in value terms to $15.87 billion. The worldwide average diamond price last year went up 8% to $105.2 per carat.
**The rough diamond trading entity of Chinese Taipei has also met the minimum requirements of the KPCS
Source: Kimberley Process Certification Scheme
In 2017, Russia maintained its position as the world’s top diamond producing nation. Russia’s output grew 6% by volume to 42.6 million carats, and increased 15% in value to $4.1 billion.
Canada outmined Botswana to become the number two volume-based diamond producer. Canada’s 2017 diamond output rose 78% to 23.2 million carats, and jumped 47% to $2.05 billion.
Botswana took second place in terms of value and third place in terms of volume; it produced 22.9 million carats (+12%) valued at $3.32 billion (+17%).
South Africa, too, put up a strong performance in 2017, making it the third largest producer by value and sixth highest by volume. South Africa’s diamond output rose 148% to $3.08 billion and climbed 16% to 9.68 million carats. South Africa’s average diamond price in 2017 more than doubled to $319.04 per carat, from $150.26 a year earlier.
India was the sixteenthbiggest diamond producing nation by value and nineteenthlargest by volume; its annual diamond output of 41,701 carats was valued at $7.35 million.
Top 10 Diamond Producers By Volume
Top 10 Diamond Producers By Value
India continued its multiyear streak as the biggest rough diamond importer, accounting for nearly 40% of worldwide rough imports by value and volume. During the twelvemonth period, India imported 195 million carats of rough (+31%) worth $18.9 billion (+14%). The European Union (EU) topped the charts in terms of rough exports, registering outbound shipments of 129.1 million carats valued at $12.6 billion.