Israel’s Rough Diamond Exports Continue to Rise

Israel imported $492.7 million worth of rough diamonds in July, a 44 percent increase compared to the $342 million in rough diamond imports in July 2006. In volume, imports leaped 79.6 percent to 1,359,359 carats, an average value of 362.42 per carat.

Imports of rough diamonds have generally been strong in the past year. During the first seven months of the year, imports rose 10.4 percent compared to last year, according to figures released by the Ministry of Trade.

In carats, imports rose 29.8 percent in the January-July period, totaling 10,664,459 carats. This lowers the average value to $272.32 p/c.

Net rough diamond exports in July totaled $266.8 million, rising 36.3 percent from the $195.7 million in rough diamonds imported July 2006. Rough diamond exports declined 13.2 percent in volume during the month to 1,183,369 carats.

(Last updated August 1, 2007, 7:47 am)