The Israeli diamond industry announced increases in exports
and imports of both polished and rough diamonds for the first quarter of 2011.

The IDI said net polished diamond exports rose 45.7 percent
to reach $2.1 billion, compared to $1.4 billion from January to March 2010. Net
rough diamond exports for the first quarter increased 39.6 percent to $1.2
billion, compared to $829 million in the first quarter of 2010.

Net imports of polished diamonds rose 24.9 percent to $1.1
billion, from January to March 2011, compared to $916 million last year. Net
rough diamond imports increased 48.5 percent to $1.2 billion, compared to $831
million in the first quarter of 2010.

The United States was responsible for 45 percent of total
exports, remaining Israel’s largest market. Net polished exports to the U.S.
were $694 million.

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