Amman: The industrial sector in Jordan has shown promising results in 2024, overcoming regional challenges to achieve notable growth and export expansion, according to Fathi Al-Jaghbeer, the head of the Jordan and Amman Chambers of Industry.
According to Jordan News Agency, Al-Jaghbeer highlighted that despite instability impacting supply chains, production costs, and export markets, the industrial sector demonstrated resilience. The Jordanian Industry Index reported a 5.2 percent growth in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, underscoring the sector's robust performance.
The industrial sector also contributed significantly to the national economy, creating 3,300 jobs in the first half of 2024 and accounting for more than a third of the economic growth, equivalent to 2.2 percent. Al-Jaghbeer noted that industrial exports reached 145 countries, growing by 1.5 percent over ten months compared to 2023, with total exports amounting to 6.5 billion dinars.
Challenges such as price fluctuations and geopolitical tensions, particularly following Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip, affected some sectors. However, exports from the leather and textile industries, valued at JD270 million, showed significant growth, followed by food and supplies at JD164 million and medical supplies at JD77 million. Meanwhile, exports from the plastic, rubber, and engineering sectors totaled JD24 million and JD16 million, respectively.
The industrial sector in Jordan produces 1,500 items annually, valued at JD17 billion, and exports approximately 1,400 items to 150 countries. With 18,000 facilities, the sector shows a steady growth rate of 0.3 percent, contributing to the kingdom's manufacturing diversity.
The Economic Modernization Vision prioritizes the industrial sector, aiming to double GDP and create 260,000 jobs by 2033. This strategy focuses on strategic industries to enhance competitiveness and boost export contributions to the sector's growth.