Amman, Sept. 29 (Petra) – Jordan’s national exports to non-Arab Asian markets surged 15.4 percent in the first seven months of this year, reaching JD1.077 billion ($1.52 billion), compared with JD933 million in the same period last year, according to official figures.

Meanwhile, the Kingdom’s imports from Asian countries edged down slightly by 0.5 percent to JD4.073 billion, from JD4.095 billion a year earlier.

Fathi Jaghbir, president of the Jordan and Amman Chambers of Industry, told Petra that the growth represents a qualitative leap in export performance and a clear indication of the rising competitiveness of Jordanian products in global markets.

He said the expansion was not merely geographical diversification, but a strategic breakthrough in penetrating high-demand, technically complex markets such as India, China, Malaysia and Bangladesh.

India was the primary driver of the export surge, accounting for 58 percent of Jordan’s total exports to non-Arab Asian economies, valued at about JD630 million, up 24 percent from last year. Exports to China and several other Asian markets also climbed, reflecting a sustained shift toward large-scale industrial economies with diverse demand and high absorption capacity.

Chemicals, phosphates, potash and fertilizers formed the backbone of the increase, serving the agricultural and industrial needs of Asian economies with wide-ranging food, manufacturing and chemical industries, in addition to mineral and raw materials feeding heavy industries.

Jaghbir stressed that the growth underscores the expansion of Jordan’s productive base and its ability to meet stringent standards in highly competitive markets.

He noted, however, that rising production and shipping costs continue to erode the competitiveness of Jordanian goods despite their high quality, while limited overseas promotion and weak export-readiness programs for small firms constrain the sector’s potential.

To sustain the momentum, Jaghbir called for expanded trade agreements and tariff arrangements with East and Central Asian countries, enabling Jordanian products to enter those markets with better privileges. He also highlighted the importance of specialized industrial missions and exhibitions targeting Asia’s growth markets to connect exporters with potential buyers and investors.

He further emphasized the role of Jordan’s commercial attachés and embassies in Asia in boosting trade promotion and economic diplomacy, alongside supporting local manufacturers in complying with international specifications to expand their client base.

On logistics, Jaghbir underlined the need to strengthen shipping and transport infrastructure through direct maritime and overland routes linking Jordan to Asian ports and trade hubs, to cut costs and ensure more efficient access for national exports.

//Petra// RZ