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JEDDAH: Jordan’s exports to countries in the Greater Arab Free Trade Area climbed 16.9 percent to 1.85 billion dinars ($2.6 billion) in the first half of 2025, fueled by stronger demand from ������Ƶ, Iraq and Syria. 

Overall national exports grew 9 percent to 4.38 billion dinars, while re-exports edged up 1.2 percent to 431 million dinars, bringing total exports to 4.81 billion dinars, Jordan News Agency reported, citing the Department of Statistics. 

This comes as a report released in July by the International Monetary Fund highlighted Jordan’s continued economic resilience amid regional conflicts and global uncertainty, attributing the performance to the authorities’ adherence to sound macroeconomic policies. 

The IMF said Jordan’s ownership of the Extended Fund Facility remains strong, with program targets consistently met, saying the economy grew 2.5 percent in 2024 and is projected to gradually strengthen over the next two years on the back of sound policies and faster reforms. 

The steady export growth stems from proactive government measures to boost export capacity, including targeted support for the industrial sector, enhanced trade partnerships, and a focus on product quality, according to Yanal Barmawi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Supply. 

Barmawi said the positive momentum also reflects Jordan’s King Abdullah II’s active diplomacy, which has expanded the country’s international economic network. 

“The king’s recent visits to countries like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have opened new channels for promoting Jordanian goods, while previous visits continue to yield commercial benefits and investment opportunities,” Petra reported that Barmawi said. 

He added that “these high-level engagements help position Jordanian products more competitively across global markets,” and urged the business sector to seize opportunities by building cross-border partnerships and expanding market reach. 

Key sectors driving growth included apparel, up 8.2 percent to 831 million dinars, chemical fertilizers, up 10.2 percent, pharmaceuticals, up 10 percent, raw potash, up 4.7 percent, and miscellaneous goods, up 16.3 percent. 

Imports also increased, reflecting higher demand for machinery, jewelry, electrical equipment, and grains, while crude oil and derivatives declined. Barmawi said the rise was mainly driven by stronger local demand, production needs, and higher raw material costs. 

Exports to key countries also grew, with ������Ƶ up 19.3 percent to 612 million dinars, Syria rising 404.8 percent to 106 million dinars, and Iraq increasing 15.5 percent to 431 million dinars. 

Beyond the Arab world, exports to non-Arab Asian countries rose 16 percent to 901 million dinars, and exports to the EU increased 14 percent to 228 million dinars, benefiting from trade agreements such as the Jordan-EU Association Agreement. 

Barmawi expressed optimism for continued export growth in the second half of the year, supported by ongoing initiatives to enhance product competitiveness and improve access to international markets. He said the Industrial Support Fund helps manufacturers boost production and exports. 

He also highlighted government efforts to reopen the Bab Al-Hawa border crossing between Syria and Turkiye, easing transit for Jordanian goods, particularly vegetables, bound for European markets. 

Barmawi reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting exporters, addressing challenges, maintaining dialogue with the private sector, and opening new markets through trade agreements and promotional initiatives. 

JEDDAH: ������Ƶ and the US are set to strengthen mining ties as the Kingdom’s industry minister met the US energy secretary to explore joint opportunities in critical minerals and supply chains.

Bandar Alkhorayef held a bilateral meeting with Chris Wright to discuss ways of enhancing mining cooperation during his official trip to the US. The meeting was attended by Saleh Al-Sulami, CEO of the National Industrial Development Center, along with several officials from both sides, according to a statement by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources.

The two officials underscored the importance of strengthening collaboration to support critical mineral supply chains, which are witnessing increasing global demand. They also agreed to bolster critical minerals cooperation to enhance global supply chain resilience.

The talks come as ������Ƶ’s Vision 2030 seeks to expand its mining sector, valued at SR9.4 trillion ($2.5 trillion), and diversify its economy beyond oil and become a global hub for critical minerals.

“At the beginning of my official visit to the US, I met with His Excellency the US Secretary of Energy, and we discussed ways to enhance cooperation between our two countries in the industrial and mining sectors, in addition to exchanging technical knowledge and expertise, in a manner that contributes to supporting the global industrial transformation and the sustainability of supply chains,” Alkhorayef said in a post on his X account.

The meeting was held within the framework of a memorandum of cooperation signed in May between the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and the US Department of Energy on the sidelines of the Saudi-US Investment Forum in Riyadh.

Alkhorayef emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to improving the investment environment for mining, enhancing its attractiveness, and simplifying regulatory procedures as part of ongoing efforts to explore and exploit mineral resources and maximize their contribution to economic diversification.

Wright highlighted ������Ƶ’s significant role and influence in the global mining sector, stressing the importance of strengthening international cooperation, expanding public-private partnerships, and accelerating the adoption of advanced mining technologies to foster sustainable growth.

The meeting also highlighted the Future Minerals Forum that the Kingdom annually hosts, which serves as a global platform for decision-makers, non-government organizations, and investors, as well as mining technology companies and research institutions to develop innovative solutions for sector challenges and promote sustainability.

Alkhorayef invited Wright to participate in the fifth edition of the event, scheduled to be held in the Saudi capital from Jan. 13 to 15 2026.

During his visit, the Saudi minister toured the Research Triangle Park in North Carolina, which also included the SAS Institute for Artificial Intelligence, the Center for Additive Manufacturing and Logistics, and the Energy X Laboratory for Clean Energy Solutions. 

Alkhorayef also held a meeting with the US minister of commerce in North Carolina, during which they discussed prospects for industrial integration, attracting quality investments, and enabling access for Saudi non-oil exports to US markets.