Amman: Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply Yarub Qudah announced that foreign trade figures for the first quarter of the year indicate a robust national economy, with productive sectors maintaining their presence in external markets despite economic and regional challenges. National exports increased by 1.6% in the first quarter, reaching JD 2.129 billion, highlighting the growing competitiveness of Jordanian products and their broader access to global markets.
According to Jordan News Agency, the minister specified that the export performance was primarily driven by value-added industrial sectors, particularly garments, crude potash, and pharmaceuticals. This reflects the diversity of Jordan's productive base and its capacity to meet the needs of various markets. Qudah also highlighted a significant rise in national exports to key markets, such as Syria, which saw a 45.3% increase, China at 74.1%, and European Union countries at 69.9%. This underscores successful efforts by both government and private sectors to open new markets and strengthen trade relations with economic partners.
The minister attributed these positive indicators to government policies aimed at boosting the competitiveness of the national industry, improving the business environment, and facilitating trade exchange. These efforts are part of the Economic Modernization Vision, which seeks to increase the contributions of the industrial and export sectors to economic growth. The ministry, in partnership with the private sector, continues to address challenges facing exporters and capitalize on free trade agreements that Jordan has signed with global blocs and markets. Such initiatives are designed to enhance Jordan's position as a regional hub for production and export, providing broader opportunities for national products to penetrate new and promising markets.
Qudah also noted that imports declined by 2.9% during the same period, which helped reduce the trade deficit by 6.3% to JD 1.907 billion. He pointed out that the improvement in the total export-to-import coverage ratio to 59% is a positive sign of stronger trade performance. The minister committed to continuing the implementation of programs to support exports, develop external markets, and increase the added value of national industries. These efforts are in line with the Economic Modernization Vision's goals to elevate national exports, stimulate industrial investment, and create quality jobs for Jordanians across the governorates.