jordan pulse -

– As part of its series of economic dialogue sessions, the Amman Group for Future Dialogues hosted Chairman of the Board of the Arab Potash Company (APC), Eng. Shihadeh Abu Hdeib, and CEO Dr. Maen Nsour. During the session, APC management presented the company's operational and financial performance, completed projects, and future plans, highlighting its advanced achievements, long-term investment vision, and pivotal societal role as a cornerstone of Jordan’s economy.

The group’s chair, Mr. Bilal Hassan Al-Tal, welcomed the APC leadership, emphasizing the company’s commitment to constructive engagement with civil society and its active participation in national discussions on economic, industrial, and social development.

Eng. Abu Hdeib described APC as a national success story that has evolved in recent years into a leading industrial and developmental model in Jordan and the region, thanks to precise strategies, well-calculated investments, and integrated resource management.

Since 2019, he noted, the company has achieved significant improvements in operational efficiency, solidifying its status as a major global fertilizer supplier and securing agricultural supply chains across various regions—making it a key player in global food security.

He outlined APC’s 2024–2034 growth strategy for the fertilizers and derivative chemicals sector, aligned with Jordan's Economic Modernization Vision. The strategy aims to position Jordan as a primary supplier of fertilizers and chemicals regionally and globally through localized production integration and downstream industrial development.

Abu Hdeib emphasized the alignment between APC’s strategic goals and national development policies, including joint projects with other national firms such as Jordan Phosphate Mines Company—like phosphoric acid and specialized fertilizer production—as well as a $813 million expansion of the Jordan Bromine Company.

He detailed APC’s substantial financial contributions to the national treasury, exceeding JOD 1.1 billion since 2019, and its support for foreign currency reserves with $8.6 billion in inflows to the banking system.

He also noted the 2024 launch of APC’s Research, Development, and Innovation Center to boost product innovation, operational efficiency, and explore new resource opportunities, reinforcing its direction toward future industries.

Additionally, Abu Hdeib highlighted APC’s pioneering corporate social responsibility framework, with over JOD 66 million invested in sustainable initiatives over the past five years in education, health, environment, infrastructure, and youth and women empowerment—underscoring its view of local communities as strategic partners in sustainable production.

Dr. Maen Nsour presented an in-depth analysis of APC’s performance over the past five years and its roadmap through 2034. He noted the company's record production increase from 2.4 million tons in 2018 to 2.84 million in 2024—even before expansion projects came online—and a rise in sales to 2.78 million tons. Six new red potash products were introduced to meet demand in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Financially, APC reported JOD 1.6 billion in net profits over five years, with potash production profits growing from 54% of total earnings in 2018 to 73% in 2024—showing the strength of its core business.

Nsour highlighted the 2024–2028 strategic pillars: expanding production capacity, diversifying products, adopting advanced manufacturing technologies, digitalization and AI, investing in innovation, and exploring high-potential industries such as lithium, ammonia, and specialized fertilizers.

He revealed plans for $3 billion in capital investments by 2034, including a $1.1 billion southern expansion to boost annual potash output to 3.7 million tons, featuring a new cold crystallization plant and granulation facilities. The eastern expansion will add 120,000 tons of potash capacity annually.

These projects will leverage new water and energy sources, including 30 MW of solar power and floating solar panels on brine ponds, reflecting APC’s deep commitment to sustainability.

Both Abu Hdeib and Nsour affirmed that APC exemplifies a globally-minded national company that prioritizes innovation, partnership, and responsibility—not just profit. Mr. Al-Tal praised APC’s transparent institutional approach and ambitious plans, reinforcing its critical role in national development.

The session concluded with an open discussion where participants commended APC’s achievements and its dual economic and societal contributions in recent years.