AMMAN — Jordan maintains sufficient stocks of essential food commodities and continues to operate stable supply chains despite heightened regional tensions, Industry, Trade and Supply Minister Yarub Qudah said on Tuesday.

 

The minister’s remarks came during a meeting with the Lower House Economy and Investment Committee to discuss the government’s plans to maintain supply chains, address potential disruptions to shipping routes, and manage rising transport costs, while strengthening market monitoring efforts.

 

Qudah said the government has taken “precautionary measures to safeguard the Kingdom’s food security and ensure continuity of supply amid evolving regional political and security developments.”

 

"The strategy focuses on maintaining adequate strategic reserves of essential commodities and ensuring uninterrupted supply and distribution chains across the Kingdom," he added.

 

As per these efforts, he said that the Ministry of Industry and Trade has prohibited the export of essential food commodities without prior ministerial approval, a “precautionary measure to protect domestic reserves.’

 

“With escalating regional tensions, the government quickly introduced extra measures,” he said, adding that containers were allowed to enter Jordan by land and Aqaba Port’s exclusivity was temporarily lifted for one month. “The move aimed to assist importers and manufacturers whose goods were stranded in Gulf ports.”

 

The minister also said the government imposed no additional customs duties or taxes on increased shipping and insurance costs, anticipating higher transportation expenses due to regional instability and rising energy prices.

 

"Jordan has drawn lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, when authorities developed an electronic system to track stock levels daily with chambers of commerce, industry representatives, and the Customs Department. The system provides about 95 per cent accuracy.”

 

According to ministry figures, wheat stocks in silos stood at around 544,000 tonnes as of March 16, enough for over five and a half months of domestic consumption. Another 356,000 tonnes are on the way, extending coverage to around nine months. Barley stocks currently stand at 368,000 tonnes, with an additional 352,000 tonnes in transit, covering more than eight months.

 

Stocks of other essential commodities remain stable, including roughly three months of sugar, four months of rice, over three months of vegetable oils, and about three and a half months of feed corn. Legumes such as chickpeas, lentils, and beans range between two and six months, while powdered milk covers approximately four months, according to the ministry.

 

The minister addressed possible disruptions to maritime trade through the Red Sea and Bab Al Mandab Strait, a key corridor for goods arriving at Aqaba Port.

 

“The government prepared alternative plans, coordinating with Egypt to use Damietta and Alexandria ports, and discussing the use of Syria’s Latakia Port.”

 

He also said that shipping through the Red Sea continues without interruption, although transport and insurance costs have risen.

 

“Between March 1–15, Aqaba Port received 24 container ships unloading 32,000 twenty-foot containers, with around 17,600 additional containers expected next week.”

 

Qudah emphasised that strategic reserves alone are insufficient and must be backed by efficient supply chains.

 

“Some major shipping companies have avoided the Red Sea temporarily, but three global firms continue deliveries through intermediary ports, while some cargo is regularly transported from Jeddah to Aqaba.”

 

The minister also stressed that daily market monitoring shows no significant price increases over the past 15 days, with only minor fluctuations of 1–2 percent.

 

“Overall, supply chains remain efficient, and goods continue to arrive at Aqaba Port on schedule, with contingency plans ready if regional developments disrupt shipping routes.”