Amman, March 4 (Petra) -- Jordan recorded trade surpluses with 11 countries within the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA) in 2025, reflecting strengthening export momentum and expanding penetration of Jordanian products across regional markets.
The performance comes as the Kingdom seeks to deepen its trade integration with Arab economies under the framework of the Economic Modernization Vision, with export growth signaling improved competitiveness of national industries and a broader regional market footprint.
Data from the Department of Statistics showed that Jordan’s national exports to GAFTA member states rose by 10.2 percent in 2025 to JD 3.952 billion, compared with JD 3.585 billion in 2024. Imports from the same bloc increased by 7.3 percent to JD 5.444 billion, up from JD 5.073 billion a year earlier.
Arab Free Trade Area countries maintained their position as Jordan’s largest export destination, accounting for 41 percent of total national exports in 2025.
Despite the strong export performance, Jordan continued to record an overall trade deficit with GAFTA countries, which reached JD 1.492 billion in 2025, marginally higher than the JD 1.488 billion deficit recorded in 2024.
Total trade between Jordan and GAFTA members expanded to JD 9.396 billion last year, compared with JD 8.658 billion in the previous year.
At the bilateral level, Jordan recorded trade surpluses with Lebanon, Yemen, Libya, Qatar, Morocco, Kuwait, Syria, Palestine, Algeria, Iraq and Bahrain. In contrast, the Kingdom posted trade deficits with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Oman, Tunisia and Sudan.
Saudi Arabia remained Jordan’s largest Arab export market, with national exports reaching JD 1.230 billion in 2025, marking an increase of 9 percent. Iraq ranked second with exports valued at JD 990 million, up 8.6 percent year-on-year. Exports to Syria recorded the fastest growth rate, surging to JD 252 million, representing a 358.2 percent increase.
On the import side, Saudi Arabia also ranked as Jordan’s largest supplier within the Arab Free Trade Area, with imports reaching approximately JD 2.95 billion. This resulted in a bilateral trade deficit of roughly JD 1.72 billion.
Jordan’s exports to GAFTA countries are largely concentrated in fertilizers, pharmaceutical products and agricultural commodities, including fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. Other exported goods include salts and skincare products, prepared food products, furniture, textiles, garments and paints.
Imports from the Arab bloc include crude oil and petroleum derivatives, jewelry, food products, plastic sheets and plates, titanium dioxide, polyethylene, polystyrene and iron and steel products.
The broader trade data shows that Jordan’s national exports increased by 9.9 percent in 2025 to reach JD 9.624 billion, while re-exports rose by 12.3 percent to JD 959 million. Total exports therefore reached JD 10.583 billion, representing a 10.1 percent increase compared with 2024.
The Greater Arab Free Trade Area, which entered into force in January 2005, aims to enhance economic integration and facilitate intra-Arab trade through reduced tariffs and improved market access among its 18 member states.
//Petra// RZ
