Remarkable growth in Israel’s diamond exports and imports in 2011

This was achieved despite a slowdown in activity reported in the global diamond industry in the fourth quarter of 2011
 
Data released last week by Israel's Diamond Controller, Shmuel Mordechai, show that Israeli diamond industry concluded 2011 with double-digit growth in exports and imports.
 
This was achieved despite a slowdown in activity reported in the global diamond industry in the fourth quarter of 2011.
 
Israel’s total net polished diamond exports increased by 23.5% in 2011 compared to 2010,(US$5.832 billion), reaching US$7.2 billion.
 
Net exports of rough diamonds rose 14.9 % in 2011 to reach US$3.5 billion.
 
Net imports of polished diamonds in 2011 jumped 34.7% to US$5.7 billion.
 
Net imports of rough diamonds were up 17.5% over 2010 to US$4.4 billion.
 
The United States remained Israel’s major export market for polished diamonds, with 39% of the total. This was followed by Hong Kong 26%, Switzerland 6%, India 5%, United Kingdom 3% and the rest of the world 21%.
 
Net polished exports to the US stood at US$2.802 billion, Hong Kong US$1.898 billion, Switzerland US$421 million, India US$341 million and the UK US$205 million. 21% of total diamond export went last year to countries not listed above.