Amman, Nov. 4 (Petra) -- Amman Chamber of Industry (ACI) exports rose 6 percent in the first 10 months of the year to JD6.674 billion, from JD6.321 billion a year earlier, recording an increase of JD352 million, according to chamber statistics.
The data, obtained by the Jordan News Agency (Petra), showed the chamber's exports expanded to non-traditional markets in several African, European and non-Arab Asian countries.
The figures indicate that Jordanian industry can adapt to external challenges in export markets.
The ACI figures revealed exports grew in all industrial sectors except mining and engineering, electrical and information technology industries, which fell 5 percent and 15 percent, respectively.
Packaging, paper, cardboard and stationery industries grew fastest at 38 percent, followed by chemicals and cosmetics at 28 percent. Leather and knitwear exports held steady.
As for top importers, Iraq, India, the United States and Saudi Arabia received more than half of the chamber's exports, totaling JD3.457 billion.
Exports to Iraq rose 25.1 percent to JD990 million from JD791 million, making it the top destination. Shipments to Saudi Arabia rose 4 percent to about JD731 million from JD702 million.
Exports to India fell 2.2 percent to JD953 million from JD974 million. Those to the United States dropped 25.4 percent to JD783 million from JD1.050 billion.
Contrary to the recent trend, exports to Syria declined 8.6 percent to JD321 million from JD351 million.
Exports to China jumped 180.9 percent to about JD293 million from JD104 million. Those to Palestine rose 18.3 percent to JD162 million from JD137 million.
Exports also rose to Niger, Portugal, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Germany, Kuwait, Mexico, Cameroon, Japan, Greece, Angola, Yemen, Austria and other countries.
By region, Arab countries led at JD3.384 billion, followed by non-Arab Asian countries at JD1.605 billion and North America at about JD837 million.
Exports to European Union countries reached about JD414 million, while the value to non-EU European countries totaled JD232 million. Exports to African countries stood at JD93 million, South American countries at JD48 million and other countries at JD60 million.
The data, issued monthly according to certificates of origin, showed exports by sector. Mining industries accounted for JD1.510 billion, while the exporting value of chemicals and cosmetics stood at JD1.405 billion, and food, supplies, agriculture and livestock at about JD908 million.
Engineering, electrical and information technology industries totaled about JD888 million, therapeutic and medical supplies JD665 million, and leather and knitwear about JD517 million.
Packaging, paper, cardboard and stationery industries reached about JD314 million, plastics and rubber JD282 million, construction JD163 million, and wood and furniture about JD20 million.
//Petra// NQ
