JERUSALEM, April 5 (Xinhua) -- Israel's rough diamond exports increased 35 percent year-on-year in the first quarter (Q1) of 2022, totaling 526.5 million U.S. dollars, the country's Ministry of Economy and Industry reported Tuesday.

       A rise of 11.1 percent in rough diamond exports was reported in March alone, from 157.9 million dollars the same month last year to 175.4 million dollars. The exports to the United Arab Emirates hit 24 million dollars, nearly 14 percent of the monthly value.

       Israeli exports of polished diamonds in Q1 rose by 58.1 percent, and in March by 105.9 percent, compared to the same periods last year.

       Israeli imports of rough diamonds rose 3.8 percent in the first quarter, totaling 494.4 million dollars, while imports of polished diamonds rose 45.7 percent to 942.1 million dollars.