DRC and neibour countries exports in 1996 totaled US$ 1,490.3 million, including the country’s main export product, cobalt, as well as copper, coffee, crude oil, gold, agricultural products, in addition to diamonds. The DRC, according to some sources, is the world’s fourth largest diamond producer, others place it as second in the world. Again, the lack of international rules on declaring the origin of diamonds makes it difficult to assess exactly where the DRC stands on its diamond exporting activities, in comparison to other countries.
DRC and neibour countries imports in 1996 totaled US$ 1,328.6 million and include chemicals, manufactured goods, mineral oils, raw materials, machinery and transport equipment, textiles and clothing and consumer goods, such as food, drink and tobacco.
In 1997, exports in diamonds totaled US$ 715 million.
As relates to cut and polished diamonds, the United States is the number one retailer in the world, followed by Asia-Pacific. However, import of the product is transacted through countries where the rough diamonds are re-routed, such as Belgium and England, and sent for finishing in countries like India and Thailand, the world’s largest diamond cutting and polishing centers.
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