jordan pulse -

Total exports grew by more than 14 percent in the first half of 2026, extending last year's gains as the government moves to open new markets in Africa and Central Asia and advance a $10 billion pipeline of public-private partnership projects.

Industry, Trade and Supply Minister Yarub Qudah said the figures point to continued economic growth despite regional disruptions and wider pressures on the global economy.

Speaking at a business meeting organized by the Jordanian Businessmen Association, Qudah said export growth has maintained momentum for a second consecutive year after total exports increased by around 11.5 percent in 2025 compared with 2024.

National exports rose 6.2 percent in the first half of this year, while re-exports jumped 44 percent, he said.

Qudah said the rise in locally produced goods sold abroad reflects stronger export activity, while growth in re-exports reinforces the Kingdom’s role as a regional trade and logistics hub.

Export gains were spread across more than 12 industrial sectors, helping diversify the country’s export base and reduce exposure to fluctuations affecting individual products or markets.

The performance came despite regional conditions that have disrupted supply chains, transport and logistics, as well as increasing competition in international markets, Qudah said.

Aqaba Port also recorded a more than 5 percent increase in container handling during the first nine months of the year compared with the same period in 2025.

The government is now seeking to broaden access to overseas markets through preferential trade arrangements alongside its existing free trade agreements with the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Arab countries and Canada.

Qudah said two preferential trade agreements are expected to be signed before the end of the year, one with Rwanda to expand access to East and Central African markets and another with Uzbekistan to provide a gateway to Central Asia.

The government has also opened talks with the Eurasian Economic Union on a preferential trade agreement aimed at improving access for locally produced goods to markets across the bloc.

Qudah said the trade strategy focuses on both expanding the number of export destinations and increasing the diversity and domestic value added of products sold overseas.

Alongside its trade push, the government plans to launch major projects worth around $10 billion in partnership with the private sector over the next three to four years.

The investment pipeline covers water, energy, transport, infrastructure and public services, with projects intended to stimulate private investment and generate employment.

Among them are the National Water Carrier and a natural gas pipeline linking the Risha gas field with different parts of the Kingdom.

Qudah said the pipeline, coupled with continued exploration around Risha, is expected to help raise natural gas self-sufficiency to around 80 percent by 2028.

He also cited Airport City as a strategic development intended to an integrated urban and economic hub for housing, employment and investment while accommodating urban expansion and easing pressure on Amman.

Qudah said the government aims to sustain the positive economic trajectory by expanding exports, attracting investment and strengthening private-sector participation under the Economic Modernization Vision.

//Petra// RZ