ZARQA, Nov. 4 (Petra) – Industrial exports from the Zarqa Chamber of Industry (ZCI) surged 12 percent during the first ten months of 2026, reaching $1.335 billion compared to $1.196 billion recorded during the corresponding period of 2025, buoyed by robust demand across Arab markets.
In a press release issued Wednesday, ZCI President Fares Hammoudeh stated that monthly industrial exports logged a 14 percent year-on-year increase in October, rising to $139.5 million from $122.9 million in October 2025.
Hammoudeh noted that exports to Arab nations surged 28 percent through October to reach $636.6 million–accounting for 48 percent of total industrial dispatches–up from $496.7 million recorded in the same period last year.
Iraq emerged as the top destination among Arab markets, absorbing $294 million in industrial goods–a 43 percent increase compared to $205.8 million last year. Saudi Arabia ranked second, receiving $145.4 million in exports, marking a 13 percent uptick over $128.3 million in 2025.
Regarding other geographic destinations, exports to North American markets totaled $500.2 million (37 percent of total volume), despite a 6 percent dip from $531.6 million in 2025. Deliveries to the United States accounted for $478 million, contracting 6 percent from $510 million, while exports to Canada expanded 13 percent to reach $20 million.
Non-Arab Asian markets registered a 40 percent growth, absorbing $109.6 million (8 percent of total exports) compared to $78.6 million in 2025. European Union markets imported $32 million in industrial goods, contracting 4 percent year-on-year.
Sector-wise, the leather and garment industry dominated overall exports at $535.38 million, despite a 5 percent contraction from $561.68 million in 2025. The agro-food processing sector ranked second, rising 42 percent to $316.08 million compared to $222.68 million in the previous period.
The engineering, electrical, and information technology sector placed third at $142.92 million (up 28 percent), followed by construction industries at $104.95 million (up 2 percent), and chemicals and cosmetics at $71.06 million (up 4 percent).
Packaging, paper, and office supplies expanded 49 percent to $68.93 million, matching a 49 percent surge in plastics and rubber exports to $49.18 million. Therapeutic and medical supplies recorded $44.88 million, while wooden and furniture exports totaled $2.05 million.
//Petra// AA
