Exports totalled a mere $3.85 billion in '95.
London’s Central Diamond Syndicate again assured it would positively consider increasing direct supplies of uncut diamonds to Israel by increasing the number of sight holders, which today stands at 40.
Following assurances made last year, three more sight holders have been added for Israel. The syndicate also promised to continue its policy of supporting small manufacturers in Israel. The assurances were made during the bi-annual meeting between diamond association merchants in Israel and heads of the syndicate.
The Association reported that exports of polished diamonds from Israel rose by 2% in the first half of the year in comparison to the corresponding period last year, amounting to $1.96 billion. The largest increase - 11% - was in exports to the US.
According to the Association’s forecast, net exports of diamonds will total $4 billion in ‘96, as compared with $3.8 billion in ‘95.
Crude diamonds consumption for local production in ‘96 is estimated at $3 billion.