Jordan’s external trade data for the first half of 2026 show changes in several important indicators. National exports increased by 6.2 per cent to JD 4.667 billion, while total exports increased by 14.5 per cent to JD 6.414 billion. Imports increased by 6.1 per cent to JD 10.261 billion. As a result, the trade balance deficit declined from JD 4.073 billion to JD 3.847 billion, a decrease of 5.5 per cent. The export coverage ratio also improved from 58 per cent to 63 per cent. These figures point to an improvement in Jordan’s trade balance, but a proper assessment requires looking beyond the headline numbers and examining the composition of exports and imports.

 

One of the most important points is the difference between domestic exports and total exports. Domestic exports increased by about JD 273 million, while re-exports increased by about JD 539 million, or 44.6 per cent. This means that a significant part of the increase in total exports came from re-exports. Domestic exports also remained concentrated in a limited number of products. Crude potash exports increased by 30.7 per cent, chemical fertilisers by 14.1 per cent, and clothing and related products by 3 per cent. At the same time, crude phosphate exports declined by 7.2 per cent, while precious jewelry exports declined by 9.8 per cent. These figures show that the growth in domestic exports was mainly driven by the performance of specific sectors.

 

On the imports side, the most significant development was the increase in the energy import bill. Imports of crude oil, petroleum products, and mineral oils increased by 58.1 per cent, from JD 1.291 billion to JD 2.041 billion. Grain imports also increased by 10 per cent. In contrast, imports of vehicles and motorcycles declined by 5.9 per cent, precious jewelry by 19.8 per cent, and machinery and mechanical equipment by 23.6 per cent. This shows that changes in imports were not uniform across different categories. The sharp increase in oil imports was one of the main developments during the period.

 

The geographical pattern of domestic exports also changed across different markets. Exports to China increased by 71.6 per cent, while exports to the European Union increased by 36.5 per cent and exports to Syria by 36.4 per cent. Exports to Iraq also increased by 16.3 per cent. In contrast, exports to Saudi Arabia declined by 15.9 per cent, while exports to the United States declined by 13.3 per cent. These figures show different trends across export markets. Growth in some markets provides opportunities for further expansion, while the decline in others highlights the importance of maintaining a diversified export market.

 

The June figures are particularly important when looking at the overall trend. Total exports during June 2026 reached JD 1.270 billion, compared with imports of JD 2.008 billion. This resulted in a trade balance deficit of JD 738 million. Compared with June 2025, total exports increased by 32.3 per cent, domestic exports by 12.5 per cent, and re-exports by 137.5 per cent. At the same time, imports increased by 43.5 per cent, leading to a 68.1 per cent increase in the monthly trade balance deficit. These monthly figures do not change the improvement recorded during the first half of the year, but they show that external trade performance can vary from one month to another. Therefore, assessing the sustainability of the improvement requires monitoring the data in the coming months.

 

The external trade figures for the first half of 2026 present a mixed but clear picture. Total exports increased, the trade balance deficit declined, and the export coverage ratio improved. At the same time, a significant share of the growth in total exports came from re-exports, domestic exports remain concentrated in a limited number of products, and the oil import bill increased significantly.

 

The key question for the coming period is therefore not only whether the trade balance deficit will continue to decline. It is also whether Jordan can achieve stronger and more sustainable growth in domestic exports, expand the range of products and markets, and increase the domestic value added generated by export activity. This will help determine whether the current improvement is mainly a short-term movement in external trade figures or the beginning of a deeper change in the structure of Jordan’s external trade.