Kingdom tops exports to AFTZ countries till November in 2024

AMMAN — Jordan's exports to Arab Free Trade Zone (AFTZ) countries accounted for the largest share of the Kingdom's total national exports among trading partners and economic blocs until November 2024.

Exports reached JD 3.257 billion, an increase of 15.6 per cent from JD 2.818 billion during the same period in 2023, according to official statistics cited on Sunday by the Jordan News Agency, Petra,

Imports from the AFTZ countries also increased, rising by 8.5 per cent to JD 4.694 billion, compared to JD 4.326 billion in the corresponding period of 2023.

Jordan's trade deficit with the AFTZ countries narrowed slightly, reaching JD 1.437 billion by November 2024, compared to JD 1.508 billion in 2023. 

The total trade volume between Jordan and the AFTZ countries increased to JD 7.951 billion, up from JD 7.144 billion in the same period last year.

Saudi Arabia remained Jordan's largest trading partner within the AFTZ, with Jordan's exports to Saudi Arabia rising to JD 1.0736 billion, showing an increase of 13.7 per cent from JD 911 million in 2023.

While Saudi Arabia supplied Jordan with goods worth JD 2.699 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of JD 1.663 billion at the end of November 2024.

Jordan's main exports to the AFTZ countries include fertilisers, pharmaceutical products, fresh and frozen agricultural products (fruit and vegetables), salt, skin care products, food preparations, furniture products, textiles and clothing, paints and varnishes. 

Imports from AFTZ countries include crude oil and derivatives, jewellery, food products, plastic sheets and plates, titanium dioxide, polyethylene and polystyrene, iron and related products.

The Arab Free Trade Zone, established to promote economic integration and facilitate trade between Arab countries, and reduce customs tariffs to boost regional trade. It is operated since January 2005, the AFTZ now includes 18 member states and serves as a cornerstone for economic cooperation in the Arab world.