Luanda - Diamond exports yielded USD1.095 billion in 2022, as result of about 8.83 million carats, announced director of the Office of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas, Alexandre Barrete.

Alexandre Barrete said the value represents an increase of 1.38%, compared to the previous year of 2021, due to the negative impact of Covid-19 pandemic.

Taking stock of 2022 diamond activity, the manager said that in 2022 the main destinations for exports of diamonds produced in the national territory were the United Arab Emirates, with 67.91%, followed by Belgium (21.25%) and China (10.82%).

He explained that Angola produced 8.75 million carats, of which 8.71 million came from industrial production and 46,311 carats from semi-industrial production.

Compared to 2021, the source noted that there was an increase in the volume of diamonds produced on a scale of approximately 0.37%.

However, in the period of 2022, he explained that, despite relative growth, the market experienced a shortage, due to the sanctions imposed on diamonds from Russia, which caused an increase in demand for this commodity on the international market and, consequently, the price rise.