Amman, June 24 (Petra) – Trade deficit dropped 13.4 percent in the first four months of 2026 to JD2.694 billion, down JD416 million from JD3.110 billion in the same period of 2025, the Department of Statistics said in its monthly foreign trade report.

National exports rose 7.3 percent to JD2.956 billion, while reexports jumped 15.1 percent to JD909 million.

Total exports were at JD3.865 billion, 9 percent up, while imports fell 1.5 percent to JD6.559 billion, according to the data.

The export-to-import coverage ratio improved to 59 percent from 53 percent a year earlier, an increase of six percentage points.

Leading the growth in national exports was raw potash, which rose 44.7 percent, followed by nitrogenous or chemical fertilizers at 9.6 percent, raw phosphate at 9 percent, pharmaceutical products at 8.9 percent, and knitted clothing and accessories at 4.9 percent. Exports of jewelry and precious metals declined 17.1 percent.

On the import side, crude oil and petroleum products increased 30.6 percent, while plastics and related products were up 10.3 percent. Imports of jewelry and precious metals fell 37.6 percent, machinery tools dropped 30.5 percent, vehicles and motorcycles declined 10.8 percent, and electrical machinery and equipment were 4.2 percent up.

The increase in national exports was driven by higher shipments to Syria, non-Arab Asian countries, including India, and European Union markets, including the Netherlands.

Imports increased mainly from Arab Free Trade Area countries, including Saudi Arabia, and non-Arab Asian markets, including India.

In April alone, total exports reached JD1.175 billion, comprising JD827 million in national exports and JD348 million in reexports. Imports stood at JD1.962 billion, resulting in a monthly trade deficit of JD787 million.

Compared with April 2025, total exports rose 38.7 percent, national exports increased 25.1 percent and reexports surged 87.1 percent. Imports grew 2.1 percent, while the trade deficit narrowed 26.7 percent.

//Petra// AO