Irbid, Mar. 8 (Petra) – While regional volatility continues to test supply chains, the industrial heart of northern Jordan is signaling a robust recovery. Data released Sunday by the Irbid Chamber of Industry reveals that exports surged by 18.4% in the first two months of 2026, reaching $179 million compared to $151 million during the same period last year.
The growth is backed by a significant uptick in activity, with the Chamber issuing approximately 2,500 certificates of origin – an 18.7% increase – reflecting a heightened pace of manufacturing and cross-border trade.
The leather and garment sector remains the undisputed backbone of Irbid's industrial output. Contributing a staggering 86.96% of total exports, the sector’s value exceeded $155.8 million. The food and agricultural sector followed as a distant second, generating $12.49 million, while the therapeutic and medical supplies sector rounded out the top three at $5.17 million.
The United States continues to be the primary destination for "Made in Jordan" products from the north, absorbing over $116.6 million in goods. Regional trade remains a vital secondary pillar, with Arab markets importing $23.5 million, followed by European nations at $19.8 million.
The geography of this success is concentrated within the Al-Hassan Industrial Estate, which accounted for 95.6% of the Chamber's total export value, totaling nearly $171.5 million. CyberCity contributed an additional $6 million, underscoring the critical role these specialized zones play in the national economy.
Hani Abu Hassan, Chairperson of the Irbid Chamber of Industry, noted that this double-digit growth is a testament to the global acceptance and quality of Jordanian manufacturing. Despite "regional challenges" that have complicated logistics in the northern corridor, Abu Hassan emphasized that the sector is operating with high flexibility.
"The Jordanian state has provided a distinguished industrial investment environment by streamlining procedures to maintain the competitiveness of our products," Abu Hassan stated. He added that the Chamber is currently coordinating with government entities to diversify export markets further and safeguard the momentum seen in early 2026.
//Petra// AA
