Aqaba: The Jordan Logistics Association (JLA) reported a 19 percent year-on-year increase in containerized imports through the Aqaba Container Terminal (ACT) during the first eight months of 2024, highlighting the port's expanding role as a regional trade hub.

According to Jordan News Agency, official data indicated that inbound container volumes rose to 325,259 TEUs from January through August, compared with 275,151 TEUs in the same period of 2023. Export activity also showed growth, with outbound container volumes up by 6.7 percent, reaching 73,426 TEUs, compared to 68,787 TEUs a year earlier.

The Association's statistics revealed a 22.8 percent increase in inbound container volumes during August, rising to 44,893 TEUs from 36,490 TEUs in August 2023. However, outbound containerized exports decreased by 14.9 percent, falling to 9,416 TEUs from 11,060 TEUs in the same month last year.

Association President Nabil Al-Khatib told Petra that maritime trade activity through Aqaba has continued to increase throughout 2024, driven mainly by heightened import demand and improved supply chain flows. He noted that despite a short-term decline in outbound shipments in August, overall container traffic demonstrates ongoing growth momentum in both import and export segments relative to 2023.

Established in 2007, the Jordan Logistics Association represents freight forwarders and logistics service providers across the Kingdom. The association aims to enhance competitiveness, protect the interests of logistics intermediaries, and modernize industry standards. It is also a member of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), founded in 1926 in Vienna.

The strong performance at Aqaba Container Terminal is seen as a positive indicator for Jordan's trade balance, logistics sector development, and the Kingdom's positioning as a regional gateway for maritime trade.