AMMAN, July 26 (Petra) -- Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yarub Qudah reaffirmed Sunday that the full exemption of Jordanian garment and textile exports from U.S. customs tariffs provides local industry with an unprecedented competitive edge, marking a major qualitative shift for the national economy.

In a statement, Qudah explained that securing zero-duty access was the culmination of intensive negotiations spanning nearly a full year under the bilateral reciprocal trade agreement signed in Washington last Tuesday. The deal builds directly upon the foundational U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement enacted in 2001.

The minister noted that while the new agreement reduces mutual tariff rates on standard Jordanian goods to 10 percent--among the lowest rates compared to competing exporting nations--apparel and textile products secured a total duty exemption. This complete waiver, he stressed, enhances the Kingdom’s appeal for export-oriented domestic and foreign industrial investment.

These key gains are expected to directly double national export volumes to the U.S. market, Qudah added, noting that the clothing and textile sector continues to top the list of Jordanian exports to the United States, exceeding JOD 431 million during the first four months of this year alone.

Qudah emphasized that these unprecedented trade facilities will play a pivotal role in drawing a fresh wave of foreign direct investment, solidifying Jordan’s status as a competitive regional hub for garment manufacturing.

The resulting industrial expansion and steady surge in export production will create sustainable new job opportunities for Jordanians, deepen bilateral trade ties, and advance mutual economic interests, the minister pointed out.

He added that the government is pushing ahead with strategic plans to maximize added value within the industrial sector by leveraging Jordan’s network of free trade agreements with global economic blocs, allowing local enterprises to expand their market share and strengthen supply chain resilience.

Qudah concluded by stating that the Ministry is working in close coordination with public and private sector partners to translate these trade concessions into tangible investment projects on the ground, commending the agility and quality standards of the Jordanian manufacturing sector.

//Petra// AA