(IDEX Online) - Exports of polished diamonds from India surged last month, up almost 40 per cent year-on-year, as recovery from the pandemic continued.
Foreign sales for December 2020 totaled $1.74bn, up from $1.25bn, according to the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council.
It's the first month since Covid hit that the industry has outperformed the same month last year.
At its low point in May 2020, polished diamond exports slumped to just $80m as Surat ground to a virtual halt because of lockdown restrictions, but factories are now operating again at virtually full capacity.
Gross export of all gems and jewelry rose more modestly by comparison, up six per cent form $2.35bn to $2.5bn.