Amman, June 29 (Petra) – Jordan’s industrial exports grew by 9.1 percent during the first four months of the year, proving competitive in international markets, according to Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI) data.
Industrial exports were at JD2.808 billion, their highest value for the period in recent years, compared with JD2.574 billion during the same period last year.
Exports increased across all industrial subsectors, indicating broad-based growth, the chamber said, attributing the performance to export-support policies, endeavors to open new markets, greater use of free trade agreements, and technical and information support provided to industrial companies.
By value, the mining sector recorded the largest spike at JD82 million, followed by construction industries at JD58 million, chemicals and cosmetics at JD37 million, leather and garment industries at JD21 million, and pharmaceuticals and medical supplies at JD15 million.
Exports of food, agricultural, and livestock industries rose by JD8 million, while engineering, electrical, and information technology industries increased by JD5 million. Plastic and rubber exports grew by JD4 million.
Packaging, paper, cardboard, and office supply exports increased by about JD3 million, while wood and furniture exports rose by JD1 million.
Among export markets, Switzerland recorded the largest increase in Jordanian exports at JD89 million, followed by China at JD62 million and Thailand, JD30 million.
Exports to Syria surged by nearly JD28 million, the Netherlands, JD24 million, and Belgium, JD12 million, reflecting greater market diversification.
Apparel and clothing accessories remained Jordan’s leading industrial export, at JD517 million, followed by crude potash at JD220 million and pharmaceutical preparations at JD184 million.
Several products recorded exceptionally high growth rates, led by lubricating oils at 4,085 percent, organic chemical products, 938 percent, copper, 89 percent, and cement, 84 percent.
Industrial exports accounted for about 95 percent of Jordan’s total national exports, which reached JD2.956 billion during the first four months of the year. Industrial exports covered 43 percent of imports.
JCI stressed the need to continue diversifying export markets, increasing national products' added value, and maximizing the benefits of free trade agreements to support the Economic Modernization Vision, economic growth, employment and foreign currency reserves.
//Petra// AO
