AMMAN — National industrial exports rose 8.9 per cent during the first half of 2026, reaching JD4.4 billion, up by nearly JD400 million from the same period last year, according to Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI) data.

 

The data showed continued growth across several industrial sectors, with chemical and cosmetics products recording the largest increase in export value, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

 

Exports from the chemical and cosmetics sector rose by JD107 million, or 11.4 per cent, to JD1.042 billion. Construction industries followed, with exports surging 82.1 per cent, or JD62 million, to JD137 million.

 

Mining exports increased by 10.6 per cent, or JD54 million, to JD568 million, while engineering, electrical and information technology industries grew 7.1 per cent, or JD49 million, to JD745 million.

 

Exports of food, agricultural and livestock products rose 9 per cent, or JD41 million. Plastic and rubber exports increased 20.3 per cent, wood and furniture products 15.6 per cent, and packaging, paper and office supplies 7.4 per cent.

 

The data also showed strong growth in several export markets. Exports to China increased 70 per cent, or JD82 million, while those to Switzerland rose 204 per cent, or JD80 million.

 

Exports to Iraq increased 16 per cent, or JD73 million, the Netherlands 88 per cent, or JD41 million, and the UAE 29 per cent, or JD45 million.

 

Other markets recording significant growth included Thailand, with exports rising 115 per cent, Argentina 2,429 per cent, Vietnam 765 per cent, Kazakhstan 844 per cent, the UK 53 per cent and Belgium 45 per cent.

 

By economic bloc, exports to countries of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area increased 4 per cent, while exports to non-Arab Asian countries rose 20 per cent. Exports to EU countries grew 37 per cent and those to European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries surged 180 per cent.

 

Garments and accessories were the leading exported products, with exports valued at JD806 million, followed by fertilisers at JD491 million and jewellery at JD317 million. Inorganic chemical products also recorded notable growth, increasing 20 per cent.

 

The JCI stressed the importance of diversifying export markets to sustain growth and said it would continue working with relevant authorities to facilitate market access, support economic growth, create jobs and increase foreign currency inflows.