Amman, June 1 (Petra) -- The pharmaceutical industry posted double-digit export growth during the first quarter of 2026, reinforcing its position as one of the Kingdom's leading high-value manufacturing sectors and a key contributor to industrial export expansion.
Exports of pharmaceutical preparations, or human medicines, climbed 17.6 percent year-on-year to JD147 million during the first three months of the year, up from JD125 million in the corresponding period of 2025, according to Department of Statistics data cited by industry representatives.
The increase places pharmaceutical products among Jordan's fastest-growing industrial exports, highlighting the sector's expanding reach in international markets and its growing contribution to the objectives of the Economic Modernization Vision.
Fadi Al-Atrash, representative of the Therapeutic Industries and Medical Supplies Sector at the Jordan Chamber of Industry, said pharmaceutical exports ranked as the second most rapidly growing industrial export category during the first quarter, behind mining industries.
He noted that the sector's performance is broadly aligned with national targets aimed at increasing pharmaceutical exports to approximately JD2.1 billion by 2033.
According to Al-Atrash, the sustained growth reflects rising confidence in Jordanian-made medicines across regional and international markets, supported by the industry's reputation for quality, regulatory compliance and competitive production capabilities.
He also pointed to ongoing efforts to expand into new markets, alongside continued support for the sector aimed at strengthening its export performance and global presence.
A major development supporting the industry's international standing has been Jordan's accession, through the Jordan Food and Drug Administration, to the Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S), a globally recognized framework for pharmaceutical regulatory cooperation and inspection standards.
Al-Atrash said the move is expected to enhance international recognition of Jordan's pharmaceutical oversight system, strengthen confidence in locally manufactured medicines, and facilitate entry into additional export markets.
The sector has continued to broaden its international footprint through the introduction of new pharmaceutical products and the registration of innovative medicines tailored to the needs of overseas markets, he added.
Jordanian pharmaceutical exports currently reach 85 countries, reflecting the industry's ability to compete in diverse markets despite intensifying global competition.
Industry growth has also been supported by efforts to help manufacturers comply with international Good Manufacturing Practice standards, which have improved product quality and strengthened export competitiveness.
The pharmaceutical sector remains one of Jordan's most advanced manufacturing industries, combining high value-added production with a skilled workforce and strong research and development capabilities.
Today, the sector includes nearly 30 manufacturing facilities operating across the Kingdom and provides around 10,000 direct jobs, with women accounting for approximately 35 percent of total employment.
Jordanian manufacturers produce more than 5,000 pharmaceutical products covering a wide range of therapeutic areas, including chronic diseases, cancer treatments, infectious diseases, neurological and psychiatric disorders, allergies and gastrointestinal conditions.
The industry also manufactures a broad portfolio of dosage forms, ranging from tablets and capsules to injectable medicines, intravenous solutions, sprays, drops and topical treatments.
Al-Atrash said the sector's annual production capacity has reached approximately JD1.5 billion, supported by a business model focused on branded generic medicines and adherence to stringent international quality standards.
With expanding export markets, enhanced regulatory recognition and continued investment in product development, the pharmaceutical industry is increasingly viewed as one of Jordan's strongest industrial success stories and a strategic pillar of future export growth.
//Petra// RZ
