Zarqa and Mafraq Industrial Exports Surge 16% to $964.9 Million in 2024

Fares Hamoudeh, Chairman of the Zarqa Chamber of Industry, announced a significant 16% surge in industrial exports from the Zarqa and Mafraq governorates during the first eight months of 2024. The total value of these exports approached $1 billion for the first time, reaching $964.9 million. Hamoudeh detailed that in August alone, industrial exports from the Zarqa Chamber of Industry saw a substantial 29% increase, totaling $163.1 million, up from $126.4 million in August of the previous year. Exports to North American markets from the Zarqa Chamber of Industry's member institutions comprised 47% of the total, amounting to $457.4 million in the first eight months a 29% increase. Within this segment, exports to the United States rose by 30% to $430.9 million, while exports to Canada grew by 18% to $23.6 million. Exports to Arab nations totaled $353.5 million, representing 36.6% of the overall export value. Iraq emerged as the leading destination with $129 million in exports, followed by Saudi Arabia with $8 0.7 million and the Palestinian territories with $32.2 million. In the Asian markets outside the Arab world, exports reached $73 million, accounting for 7.6% of total exports. Exports to EU countries represented 4% of the total, with a value of $41.2 million. By sector, the leather and textiles industry led with exports valued at $506.07 million over the first eight months, marking a 27% increase from $398.71 million during the same period in 2023. The food, agricultural, and livestock sectors followed with $179.27 million in exports, a 24% increase. The construction sector ranked third with exports totaling $78.64 million. The engineering, electrical, and IT sectors generated $60.52 million in exports, reflecting an 11% increase. Chemical and cosmetic industries recorded $46.45 million in exports, up by 9%. Hamoudeh also reported that the packaging, paper, and office supplies sector contributed $32 million in exports, while the medical supplies and therapeutic sector totaled $30.5 million. Exports from the plastics and rubber industries reached $28.4 million, and the wood and furniture sectors had exports valued at $2.6 million. Source: Jordan News Agency