AMMAN, Sept. 12 (Petra) -- Amman Chamber of Industry (ACI) exports crossed the milestone threshold of five billion dinars during the first eight months of the year, underscoring the resilience and adaptability of Jordanian manufacturing in the face of regional headwinds.

According to statistical data released by the chamber, total exports reached 5.263 billion dinars over the eight-month period, up from 4.822 billion dinars during the corresponding timeframe last year, marking a robust growth of 9.2 percent.

The data highlights an expanding geographical footprint, with Jordanian goods penetrating new and non-traditional export destinations across African, European, and non-Arab Asian nations.

Growth was widespread across nearly all industrial sectors, with the notable exceptions of the leather and garments sector, alongside engineering, electrical, and information technology industries, which dipped by 0.3 percent and 9.4 percent, respectively. Conversely, packaging, paper, cardboard, and office supplies led sectoral gains with a 41.1 percent surge, closely followed by chemicals and cosmetics, which jumped by 28.6 percent.

Four major trading partners--India, Iraq, the United States, and Saudi Arabia--accounted for over half of total exports, collectively absorbing goods valued at 2.750 billion dinars.

India retained its position as the top destination for Amman industry exports, climbing 1.8 percent to 779 million dinars compared to 765 million dinars last year. Exports to Iraq witnessed a sharp 26.2 percent surge to reach approximately 769 million dinars, up from 609 million dinars. Shipments to Saudi Arabia rose 3.8 percent to 577 million dinars, while exports to the United States experienced a 23.4 percent contraction, dropping to 625 million dinars from 816 million dinars.

Regional trade also saw positive momentum, with exports to Syria rising 16.4 percent to roughly 266 million dinars, and shipments to Palestine climbing 20 percent to 134 million dinars. Meanwhile, exports to China recorded a striking 144.4 percent leap, reaching approximately 204 million dinars compared to 83 million dinars during the same period last year.

Additional gains were registered across a diverse array of international markets, including Armenia, Spain, Australia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Scotland, Sudan, Morocco, Somalia, Greece, and Belgium.

Geographically, Arab countries maintained the lead as the primary export destination at 2.669 billion dinars, followed by non-Arab Asian states at 1.250 billion dinars, and North America at 666 million dinars. Exports to European Union member states stood at 337 million dinars, non-EU European nations recorded 186 million dinars, African markets reached 69 million dinars, South America accounted for 37 million dinars, and other global destinations absorbed 49 million dinars.

A sectoral breakdown of the exports based on certificates of origin showed mining industries leading at 1.198 billion dinars, followed by chemicals and cosmetics at 1.106 billion dinars, and foodstuffs, agricultural, and livestock supplies at 714 million dinars. Engineering, electrical, and IT sectors recorded 687 million dinars, therapeutic and medical supplies reached 511 million dinars, and leather and garments accounted for 427 million dinars. The remainder comprised packaging and paper supplies at 248 million dinars, plastics and rubber at 224 million dinars, construction industries at 131 million dinars, and wood and furniture industries at 16 million dinars.

Established in 1962, the Amman Chamber of Industry currently represents approximately 8,600 industrial establishments, which collectively employ 159,000 workers and operate with a capital base nearing five billion dinars.

//Petra// AA