Statistics show 43.5% trade sector’s contribution to GDP in 2013

AMMAN — Amman Chamber of Commerce’s (ACC) statistics on Saturday showed that the trade sector’s contribution to the gross domestic product was 43.5 per cent in 2013. Transportation, telecommunication and storing topped the list at 12 per cent, followed by real estate and construction at 11.9 per cent. Transportation services and insurance came in third place at 10.1 per cent. Wholesale and retail trade stood at 8.1 per cent, while the contribution of restaurants and hotels was 1.4 per cent. Banks provided JD3.9 billion in credit facilities to the general trade sector in 2013, accounting for 20.7 per cent of the overall facilities that reached JD18.9 billion. The data showed that Jordan’s foreign trade volume developed remarkably in 2013, reaching JD21.1 billion, compared to JD6.208 billion in 2003. The general tax on sales gained from the trade and service sector reached JD1.9 billion, 76.5 per cent of the overall general tax on sales revenues in 2013. Sales tax on imported goods reached JD1.025 billion, on services JD436 million and on trade JD476 million.