Amman:Jordan's trade deficit decreased by 9.6 percent in the first eight months of 2026, dropping JD616 million to JD5.830 billion from JD6.446 billion during the same period the previous year.
According to Jordan News Agency, the reduction in the trade gap was driven by a significant increase in total exports, which rose 11.2 percent to JD7.464 billion. Within this growth, national exports increased by 6.0 percent to JD6.464 billion, while re-exports saw a substantial surge of 63.4 percent, reaching JD1.0 billion. Imports experienced a modest increase of 1.0 percent, totaling JD13.294 billion.
As a result of these changes, Jordan's export-to-import coverage ratio improved by 5 percentage points, achieving 56 percent compared to 51 percent in the first eight months of 2025. The growth in national exports was largely fueled by sectors such as chemical or nitrogenous fertilizers, which rose by 16.4 percent, crude potash by 12.3 percent, knitted or crocheted apparel and accessories by 4.6 percent, and pharmaceuticals by 1.8 percent. However, exports of raw phosphate and precious jewelry decreased by 13.4 percent and 14.4 percent, respectively.
On the import side, there were notable increases in crude oil and petroleum products, which surged by 39.1 percent, and grain imports, which rose by 13.5 percent. In contrast, there were declines in imports of vehicles and motorcycles by 33.6 percent, mechanical tools by 25.0 percent, precious jewelry by 14.4 percent, and electrical machinery and equipment by 7.9 percent.
The increased national exports were reflected in higher shipments to countries such as Syria, Iraq, non-Arab Asian nations including China, and the European Union, particularly the Netherlands. In terms of imports, the primary increase was from countries in the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA), including Saudi Arabia.
In August 2026 alone, total exports reached JD1.069 billion, with national exports accounting for JD955 million and re-exports for JD114 million. Imports for the month stood at JD1.708 billion, leading to a monthly trade deficit of JD639 million. Compared to July 2026, national exports in August increased by 17.5 percent from JD813 million, while imports decreased by 2.2 percent from JD1.746 billion.