Net polished diamond exports from Israel rose 6.4% in March 2006, reaching $672.0 million, compared to $631.6 million in March 2005, according to statistics released by the Israel Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labors Diamond Controller, Shmuel Mordechai. Net imports of rough diamonds in March 2006 decreased by 31.0% to total $331.5 million, as compared to $480.7 million in March 2005 %% From the beginning of the year net rough imports declined by 15.0%, reaching $1.114 billion compared to $1.310 billion in the same period of 2005. Net rough diamond exports from Israel declined by 3.8% and stood at $262.1 million in March 2006, compared to $272.3 million in March 2005. For January - March 2006 rough exports were down 15.0%, totaling $769.8 million, compared to $906.1 million in the same period last year. %%Israels net imports of polished diamonds increased 3.3% in March 2006, totaling $349.8 million, compared to $338.5 million in the same month last year. Since the beginning of 2006 net polished imports rose by 2.8% to total $921.1 million, compared to $896.1 million in the same period of 2005. The major export markets for Israels polished diamonds in February were the US with 57%, Hong Kong - 14%, Switzerland - 11%, Belgium - 7% and China - 2%. %% Israel Diamond Institute (IDI) chairman Simcha Lustig said, "I believe that the figures for March spell a turnaround for the Israeli diamond industry, and I look forward to positive results for the remainder of the year." He noted the launch of IDIs new brand identity last week in Basel: a comprehensive image campaign with the slogan: "The Israeli Diamond Industry - All You Could Ask for in One."