Irbid: The Irbid Chamber of Industry met with representatives of the leather and garment industries sector to review recent sector developments, export opportunities in the United States market, and key challenges facing factories. Chamber Chairman Hani Abu Hassan, speaking in the presence of Al Hassan Industrial Estate Investors Association Chairman Imad Naddaf, described the sector as a major contributor to national exports and employment.
According to Jordan News Agency, Abu Hassan highlighted the chamber's regular meetings with industrial sectors to identify their needs and follow up on their concerns with government agencies, with the aim of addressing obstacles and improving the competitiveness of Jordanian industries. He stressed the need to use opportunities provided by international trade agreements and expand access to new markets for Jordanian products, in line with the Economic Modernization Vision and national export objectives.
Jordan Chamber of Industry Leather and Garment Industries Sector representative Ehab Qadri reviewed developments related to the United States market. Qadri stated that the latest trade agreement between Jordan and the United States provided the sector with a competitive advantage by allowing Jordanian garment exports to enter the United States market at a zero percent tariff. He indicated that the measure could increase export orders and contracts, providing factories with opportunities to expand production and exports. Qadri urged companies to meet quality standards and international market requirements to strengthen Jordan's position as a regional garment manufacturing and export center.
Participants also discussed challenges related to labor, recruitment procedures, and the need to streamline processes to maintain production and factory competitiveness, particularly for companies with international export contracts. They underscored the importance of continued public-private sector coordination to address challenges, increase the use of trade agreements, expand exports, attract investment, and create jobs. Participants also called for continued consultations between the Irbid Chamber of Industry and sector representatives to communicate manufacturers' concerns to relevant authorities and develop practical measures supporting sector growth.
Irbid Chamber of Industry Director-General Nidal Sadr told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that the United States ranked as the leading destination for Irbid's industrial exports during the first seven months of 2026, with exports exceeding $676 million. Sadr detailed that leather and garment industries ranked first in their contribution to the governorate's exports to the United States. The sector's exports exceeded $630 million during the first seven months, with a substantial share directed to the United States market.