Amman, Oct. 26 (Petra) -- The national exports increased by 6 percent during the first eight months of 2026, reaching JD6.464 billion, up from JD6.098 billion in the same period last year, as the country's industrial sector maintained growth despite regional tensions and disruptions to trade and supply chains.
The increase was supported by stronger exports of several major industrial products, including knitted apparel and related goods, which rose 4.6 percent, nitrogenous and chemical fertilizers by 16.4 percent, pharmaceutical products by 1.8 percent and crude potash by 12.3 percent.
Exports to key international markets also recorded significant gains, rising 28.9 percent to Syria, 74.3 percent to China and 11.4 percent to the European Union.
Industry leaders said the figures highlight Jordanian manufacturers' ability to maintain their presence in overseas markets, adapt to logistical challenges and expand their export destinations.
President of the Jordan and Amman Chambers of Industry Fathi Jaghbir told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that the growth reflects the resilience of Jordan's industrial sector and the continued competitiveness of its products in international markets.
He said manufacturers had faced rising shipping and insurance costs, disruptions to transport routes and delays in the delivery of raw materials and production inputs, placing additional pressure on operating costs.
Despite these challenges, Jordanian industries maintained production and fulfilled export commitments, demonstrating their ability to respond to changing regional conditions, he added.
Jaghbir noted that export growth was not confined to a single industry but extended across several manufacturing sectors, indicating a broader and more diversified export base.
He stressed that the positive performance does not mean regional tensions have had no impact on businesses, but rather reflects the industrial sector's ability to manage disruptions while sustaining operations.
Jaghbir called for continued diversification of export markets and products to reduce dependence on individual destinations and strengthen manufacturers' resilience to external shocks.
He also emphasized the need to expand higher-value manufacturing, lower production and transportation costs, improve market access and capitalize on Jordan's international trade agreements.
The priority, he said, is to turn the current increase into sustained export growth that supports industrial investment, expands production capacity and creates employment opportunities.
He added that the performance reinforces the importance of manufacturing as a driver of economic growth and a key contributor to the objectives of Jordan's Economic Modernization Vision.
President of the Jordan Exporters Association, Senator Ahmad Khodari, said the latest figures demonstrate the strength of Jordan's industrial sector and its ability to compete internationally despite regional political and economic uncertainty.
He attributed part of this resilience to Jordan's security and stability, which have helped businesses maintain production and export operations amid regional challenges.
Khodari said the expansion into new markets is particularly significant, as it allows manufacturers to diversify their customer bases and reduce reliance on traditional export destinations.
He noted that stronger export demand can encourage manufacturers to increase production and investment, generating new jobs and supporting efforts to reduce unemployment.
Growing exports also strengthen foreign currency inflows and support the balance of payments, contributing to the country's overall economic and monetary stability, he added.
Khodari said continued export expansion aligns with the Economic Modernization Vision's priorities of improving industrial competitiveness, attracting investment and creating sustainable employment.
He highlighted the progress Jordanian manufacturers have made in modernizing production lines, adopting advanced technologies and improving product quality and standards, enabling them to enter new international markets.
Jordanian products have established a presence in Singapore and South Korea, he said, reflecting the industry's expanding international reach.
Khodari added that the Jordan Exporters Association is preparing new initiatives to strengthen access to promising markets, particularly China, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Armenia.
The association is also seeking to expand Jordan's export presence in Africa, with preparations underway to organize a trade exhibition in Kenya to introduce Jordanian products to potential buyers and establish new commercial partnerships.
He emphasized that international exhibitions remain an important platform for promoting national industries, connecting exporters with overseas importers and opening new distribution channels.
Khodari said sustaining export growth would require continued investment in manufacturing capabilities, stronger international marketing efforts and further diversification of export destinations to reinforce Jordan's position in global markets.
//Petra// RZ
