Jordan’s Domestic Exports Rise 3% As Re-Exports Weigh on Trade

RIYADH: Jordan’s domestic exports increased 3 percent in the first two months of 2026, signaling steady external demand, though a sharp drop in re-exports pulled overall shipments slightly lower. 

National exports rose to 1.35 billion Jordanian dinars ($1.9 billion), while re-exports fell 12.6 percent to 361 million dinars, according to data from the Department of Statistics, cited by Jordan News Agency, also known as Petra. 

As a result, total exports edged down 0.8 percent to 1.71 billion dinars compared with the same period last year. 

Jordan’s external performance comes against a backdrop of relative macroeconomic stability, with S&P Global Ratings in February affirming the country’s “BB-” sovereign rating with a stable outlook, citing progress on fiscal and structural reforms, resilient economic performance and continued international support.  

The agency expects growth to reach about 3 percent in 2026, supported by improving regional trade and a recovery in tourism. 

“Imports decreased by 2.5 percent to reach 3 billion dinars during the first two months of 2026. Consequently, the trade deficit reached 1.29 billion dinars, a decrease of 65 million dinars, or 4.8 percent, compared to the same period in 2025,” Petra reported 

It added: “The ratio of total exports to imports reached 57 percent during the first two months of 2026, compared to 56 percent for the same period in 2025, an increase of 1 percentage point.” 

Monthly data pointed to weaker momentum. In February, total exports fell 6.8 percent year on year to 811 million dinars, as domestic exports dropped 4.9 percent and re-exports declined 13.4 percent. Imports rose 6 percent to 1.50 billion dinars, pushing the monthly trade deficit up 26.3 percent to 691 million dinars.  

The export gains were concentrated in key commodities. Shipments of raw potash surged 46.5 percent, while pharmaceuticals rose 17.6 percent and raw phosphates increased 16.2 percent. Clothing and accessories exports grew 6.4 percent, and fertilizers edged up 0.8 percent. 

On the import side, purchases of jewelry and precious metals jumped 37.6 percent, while plastics rose 9.2 percent and machinery and electrical equipment increased marginally. In contrast, imports of crude oil and derivatives declined 8.8 percent, machinery fell 7 percent, and vehicles and bicycles dropped sharply by 38.4 percent. 

Geographically, export growth was driven by higher shipments to non-Arab Asian markets, including China, as well as to EU countries such as the Netherlands. Imports increased from the Greater Arab Free Trade Area countries and China.