Despite an increase in the last two quarters, Israel’s 2012 net polished diamond exports declined 23 percent from 2011.
In 2012, the United States continued to be Israel’s major market for polished diamonds; it accounted for 36 percent of the market, followed by Hong Kong and Belgium.
It is predicted that diamond exports will be on the upswing in 2013, coinciding with the steady improvement within the third and fourth quarters of 2012. IDI will organize industry participation in more trade shows and in additional markets during 2013.
“While the economic challenges of 2012 affected the entire diamond industry, we saw a marked recovery in Israel’s diamond trade from mid-year,” said Moti Ganz, chairman of the Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies, in a statement. “This year we look forward to continuing this positive trend and even to beating our record of 2011.”
Highlights of Israeli diamond imports and exports in 2012:
- Net polished diamond exports: down 23 percent
- Net imports: down 25 percent
- Net rough imports: down 13 percent
Follow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine
