Alrosa's Sales Reach Six-Month High

RAPAPORT... Alrosa's sales rose 5% year on year to $287.8 million inNovember, as the manufacturing sector began to rebound, the Russianminer said Tuesday. The monthly sales are the highest the company has reportedsince April, and the fourth highest of the year.  "November sales growth [is] evidence that [the] midstreamsector, specifically in India, is on track to restore its balance," said Alrosadeputy CEO Evgeny Agureev. "Somewhat more active purchasing activity atend consumers in key regions also provides support to our sales volumes." Rough-diamond sales increased 6% to $282.1 million for themonth, while polished revenue fell 22% to $5.8 million. Alrosa's sales dropped 29% to $2.97 billion in the first 11months of the year. Revenue from rough stones also decreased 29% to $2.92billion for the period, while polished-diamond sales slid 41% to $53 million. Image: Rough diamonds. (Alrosa)