Jordan’s total exports increased 14.5% in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period last year, while the country’s trade deficit narrowed as exports grew faster than imports, according to official data.
Data from the Department of Statistics showed that Jordan’s total exports reached 6.41 billion Jordanian dinars ($9.04 billion) in the first six months of the year. This included 4.67 billion dinars in national exports and 1.75 billion dinars in re-exports.
National exports increased 6.2%, while re-exports rose 44.6% compared with the same period last year. Imports also increased, but at a slower rate of 6.1%, reaching 10.26 billion dinars.
As a result, Jordan’s trade deficit narrowed 5.5%, or 226 million dinars, to 3.85 billion dinars. The ratio of exports to imports also improved to 63% from 58% a year earlier.
Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision identifies exports and international markets as important drivers of economic growth. The country is focusing on high-value sectors such as mining, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food products and logistics. The second phase of the vision covers the period from 2026 to 2029.
National exports were supported by strong growth in crude potash, which increased 30.7%; fertilizers, which rose 14.1%; and apparel and accessories, which grew 3%. However, exports of raw phosphate fell 7.2%, while fine jewelry exports declined 9.8%.
Export growth was mainly supported by higher shipments to Syria, non-Arab Asian countries, including China, and European Union markets, particularly the Netherlands.
The data showed that Jordan continues to diversify its export markets as it seeks to expand its presence in regional and international markets.
On the import side, purchases of crude oil and petroleum products increased 58.1%, while grain imports rose 10%.
Meanwhile, imports of machinery and tools fell 23.6%, while purchases of precious jewelry declined 19.8%. Imports of vehicles and cycles dropped 5.9%, while imports of electrical machinery and equipment fell 2.4%.
Saudi Arabia, the United States and China were among Jordan’s main sources of imports.
Separately, Jordan signed two agreements worth $340 million with the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development. The agreements include $300 million in financing to support the government’s general budget and $40 million for a project to build and equip five public vocational and technical schools.
Jordanian Planning and International Cooperation Minister Zeina Toukan and Abu Dhabi Fund for Development Director General Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi signed the agreements during the fund chief’s visit to Jordan.
The five schools will be built in Amman, Mafraq, Jerash and Irbid. The $40 million project will be financed through an Abu Dhabi Fund for Development grant and is part of Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision and its 2026-29 executive program.
The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development has also committed $70 million to supply natural gas to Rawda Industrial City in Ma’an and Muwaqqar Industrial City. Studies are also underway for a separate project to extend natural gas supplies to the King Hussein Bin Talal Development Area in Mafraq.
