Sharp Rise in Israel’s Rough Diamond Trade

Net rough diamond imports by Israel rose 18.9 percent in the first eight months of the year, for a total of $3.301 billion from $2.777 billion the year before, according to preliminary figures released Monday by the ministry of Trade, Industry and Labor.

Exports of rough diamonds soared as well, rising to $2.261 billion, a 28.7 percent rise over the $1.757 billion in exports in 2006.

The ministry is expected to release additional diamond trade data later in the day.