July 2010 saw a rise in the polished and rough diamond exports and imports for the U.S. markets. There was a 35 percent increase in polished imports into the country amounting to $1.65 billion, and 29 percent by volume. The average price of the diamond amounted to $1,269.78 per carat, rising 5 percent. Exports of polished diamonds amounted to $1.18 billion, increasing by 35 percent. Net polished imports, (excess of imports over exports), rose 34 percent to $467 million. %% Rough diamond imports into the country increased 57 percent to $36 million, and exports by 22 percent to $11 million. The net rough imports increased 79 percent to $25 million. %% The month generated a net diamond account (total imports of polished and rough)of $492 million rising by36 percent.