Zarqa:The Zarqa Free Zone (ZFZ) reported a significant trade volume of JOD 2.789 billion (USD 3.93 billion) by the end of the third quarter of 2026. This growth was largely driven by increased re-export activities, faster cross-border transit, and greater involvement from institutional investors, highlighting ZFZ's role as a key logistics and trade hub in the region.
According to Jordan News Agency, the macroeconomic data through September 2026 indicates a rise in commercial activities related to inbound, outbound, and re-export logistics. These developments align with fiscal and regulatory reforms aimed at enhancing Jordan's current account balance and fortifying cross-border trade infrastructure.
In the first nine months of 2026, the value of goods and vehicles entering ZFZ was JOD 1.420 billion, with outbound shipments totaling JOD 1.369 billion. Outbound activities were primarily fueled by international transit and re-exports to regional markets, contributing JOD 762 million.
Year-over-year comparisons show a 26 percent increase in gross inbound merchandise value, reaching JOD 467 million, while outbound merchandise dispatches rose 22 percent to JOD 516 million. International re-export values led this growth with a 36 percent increase, reaching JOD 324 million. Meanwhile, domestic market absorption saw a modest 4 percent rise to JOD 192 million.
The physical volume of inbound cargo increased by 22 percent to approximately 190,000 metric tons, with outbound freight volume also rising by 22 percent to 204,000 metric tons. International transit accounted for 110,000 tons of outbound cargo, marking a 25 percent increase, while domestic market releases contributed 94,000 tons. Commercial ownership transactions in general merchandise grew by 9 percent, totaling 2,961 operations and contributing to 25,502 combined commercial asset transfers, including 22,541 vehicle ownership assignments.
Automotive inflows into ZFZ reached 71,558 units valued at JOD 953 million, while outbound dispatches were 65,014 units valued at JOD 853 million. The domestic market absorbed 26,130 units (JOD 415 million), with 38,884 units re-exported internationally (JOD 438 million). Re-exported electric vehicles in international transit increased by 23 percent to 1,877 units, following regulatory reforms for imported vehicles implemented in late 2025.
ZFZ's investment landscape expanded, with active tenancy and investment contracts totaling 2,483 agreements by September 2026. This includes 1,826 commercial agreements, 1,431 automotive showrooms, logistics operations, 191 industrial operations, and 466 service-sector contracts. ZFZ management is finalizing the digitization of 64 core administrative services, scheduled for phased deployment through Q4 2026 and 2027, including infrastructure upgrades and eco-sustainable landscaping.
Established in 1983, the Zarqa Free Zone remains a critical gateway for regional re-exports and institutional capital deployment, leveraging its multimodal transport connectivity and modern infrastructure.