Israel Begins Year with Strong Rise in Polished Diamond Exports
February 01, 07 by Edahn Golan
Net exports of polished diamonds from Israel rose a dramatic 17.5 percent in January, to $726 million, kicking-off the year to a strong start. Diamond exports to Hong Kong nearly tripled while those to the UK. more than doubled.
Net polished diamond imports increased 11.7 percent to $285 million compared to the $255 million imported in January 2005.
Exports of polished to the U.S. rose 1 percent; those to Belgium increased 8 percent. Exports to Hong Kong leaped 179 percent with exports to the UK rising by 122 percent. Exports to Switzerland decreased 1 percent.
In contrast, Israel’s rough diamond trade was soft. Net exports of rough decreased 10.1 percent to $248 million. Rough diamond imports totaled $269 million, a 23.7 percent drop compared to $352 million in January 2005.
