Namibian Diamond Sales for 2010

[Michael Alexander]

1.       The Ministry of Mines and Energy has released data on diamond production and sales for the final quarter of 2010.



2.       Production in 2010 reached 1,475,610 carats – 57.0% higher than in 2009 – while sales reached 1,521,625 carats – 11.6% higher than in 2009.



3.       The value of sales for 2010 reached N$5.584 billion compared to N$3.818 billion last year.



4.       The average value per carat sold in 2010 was N$3,670, well above the average value in 2009 of N$2,802.



5.       Both production and sales dropped off in the final quarter but not as strongly as we forecast.