Amman, Aug. 27 (Petra) -- Despite mounting regional and global challenges, Jordan’s national exports showed solid growth in the first half of 2025, supported by a mix of strategic reforms, international outreach, and rising global demand for Jordanian products.

According to Yanal Barmawi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Supply, this steady performance stems from proactive government measures aimed at boosting export capacity, ranging from targeted support for the industrial sector to enhanced trade partnerships and a focus on product quality.

He attributed the positive momentum in part to His Majesty King Abdullah II’s active diplomacy, which has expanded Jordan’s international economic network. The King's recent visits to countries like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have opened new channels for promoting Jordanian goods, while previous visits continue to yield commercial benefits and investment opportunities.

Barmawi emphasized that these high-level engagements help position Jordanian products more competitively across global markets. He called for the business sector to seize on the opportunities generated by these diplomatic efforts, particularly by building cross-border partnerships and expanding their market reach.

Official foreign trade figures show that national exports of locally made goods rose by 9%, reaching JD 4.379 billion in the first six months of 2025 compared to the same period last year. Re-exported goods increased by 1.2%, amounting to JD 431 million, pushing total exports to JD 4.810 billion.

Barmawi noted that this export growth adds significant value to the national economy, generating jobs, stimulating production, and contributing to the objectives of Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision.

Several key sectors drove the export growth, with apparel and related products increasing by 8.2% to reach JD 831 million, chemical fertilizers rising 10.2%, pharmaceutical products growing by 10%, raw potash up 4.7%, and various miscellaneous goods seeing the highest jump at 16.3%.

On the import side, Jordan saw increased demand for machinery, jewelry, electrical equipment, and grains, while imports of crude oil and its derivatives declined. Barmawi explained that higher import volumes were mainly driven by stronger local demand, greater production needs, and rising costs of raw materials in source countries.

Looking at trade partnerships, countries within the Greater Arab Free Trade Area remained key markets, accounting for JD 1.851 billion in exports, a 16.9% increase from last year.

Exports to key countries also saw substantial increases, with Saudi Arabia up 19.3% to JD 612 million, Syria experiencing an extraordinary surge of 404.8% to JD 106 million, up from JD 21 million last year, and Iraq rising 15.5% to JD 431 million.

Beyond the Arab world, Jordanian exports to non-Arab Asian countries grew by 16% to JD 901 million, while exports to the European Union rose by 14% to JD 228 million, highlighting growing demand and expanded access through agreements like the Jordan-EU Association Agreement.

Barmawi expressed optimism for continued export growth in the second half of 2025, supported by ongoing initiatives to enhance product competitiveness and improve access to international markets. Programs like the Industrial Support Fund are playing a key role in helping manufacturers boost both production and exports.

He also pointed to government efforts to reopen the Bab Al-Hawa border crossing between Syria and Turkey, which would significantly ease transit for Jordanian goods, particularly vegetables, bound for European markets.

In closing, Barmawi reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting exporters by addressing their challenges, maintaining continuous dialogue with the private sector, and working to open new markets through tailored trade agreements and promotion efforts.

//Petra// WH

27/08/2025 12:51:47