Zarqa, June 2 (Petra) -- Industrial exports from the governorates of Zarqa and Mafraq to Arab countries rose 10% during the first five months of 2026, accounting for 46% of total exports and reaching a value of $279.2 million, compared with $254.3 million during the same period last year, Zarqa Chamber of Industry Chairman Fares Hammoudeh said.

Hammoudeh said Iraq ranked as the leading destination for exports, with shipments valued at $128.6 million, marking a 40% increase compared with the corresponding period last year.

Saudi Arabia ranked second among export destinations, despite a decline in shipments, with exports totaling $64 million compared with $73 million during the same period a year earlier.

Exports to the United Arab Emirates rose 9% to $14 million from $12.8 million, while exports to Syria increased 70% to $12.6 million from $7.4 million during the comparison period.

Hammoudeh said exports from companies affiliated with the Zarqa Chamber of Industry to North American markets accounted for 39% of total exports, reaching $236.4 million during the first five months of 2026, up 4% from $228.3 million in the same period of 2025.

Exports to the United States increased 4% to $227 million, compared with $219 million in the corresponding period last year.

Exports to non-Arab Asian countries totaled $50.2 million during the first five months of the year, representing 8% of total exports and rising 40% from $35.9 million recorded in the same period of 2025.

Exports to European Union countries accounted for 3% of total exports, reaching $15.5 million during the period, down 10% from $17.2 million in the first five months of 2025.

By sector, Hammoudeh said the leather and garments industry remained the largest export contributor, with exports valued at $248.9 million, up 2% from $243.7 million during the same period last year.

The food, agricultural and livestock industries ranked second, with exports reaching $149.38 million, a 44% increase from $103.94 million in the corresponding period of 2025.

The engineering, electrical and information technology industries ranked third, with exports totaling $56.04 million, remaining broadly stable compared with $56.25 million in the same period last year.

Construction industries ranked fourth, with exports valued at $44.88 million, down 31% from $64.64 million during the first five months of 2025.

//Petra// AF