The diamond processing sector is one of Israel's largest and accounts for a significant part of its total exports, which were about $80 billion last year.
"The Israeli diamond industry is proving its strength and flexibility. We are developing new markets -- China and India -- while continuing to promote our traditional ones. We can look forward to continued growth in 2011," Moti Ganz, chairman of the Israel Diamond Industry association was quoted as saying in the ministry.
Net rough diamond exports grew 62.1 percent to $3.1 billion in 2010, while polished diamond imports rose 68 percent to $4.2 billion and rough diamond imports grew 51 percent to $3.8 billion.
The United States remained Israel's largest export market with 41 percent of total exports, or $2.4 billion. Hong Kong accounted for 25 percent, India 5 percent, Switzerland 4 percent, China 3 percent and the rest of the world 22 percent. (Reuters)
