Polished diamond exports from Israel fell by 29.6% year on year during the first three months of 2015, data released by the Office of the Diamond Controller at the Ministry of Economy reveals. Total polished exports during Jan-March 2015 were US$ 1.610 billion as compared to US$ 2.288 billion during the same period a year ago.

During the same period, polished imports fell by 12.2% from US$ 1.029 bn a year ago to US$ 904 mn this year.

The trade in rough was also slower than last year with imports down by 18.4% from US$ 1.014 bn a year ago to US$ 827 mn this year, while rough exports declined by 23.3%from US$ 905 mn last year to US$ 694 mn this year.

 The US is the largest destination for polished with a 39% share, while Hong Kong with 33% and Switzerland with 13% are placed second and third.