Amman: The Ministry of Agriculture announced on Sunday the resumption of tomato exports to Saudi markets, following a brief suspension due to marketing challenges. Minister of Agriculture Dr. Saeb Khreisat stated that during the pause in exports, the ministry focused on identifying "practical solutions to marketing bottlenecks," notably by supporting the tomato concentrate industry to manage surplus production.
According to Jordan News Agency, a financial ceiling of up to JD500,000 was established to alleviate the impact of the export suspension and safeguard farmers from potential losses. In a formal statement, Dr. Khreisat attributed the resumption of exports to the ongoing efforts and collaboration with Saudi authorities.
The minister expressed appreciation for the cooperation and responsiveness of the Saudi side in facilitating the return of Jordanian tomato imports. He emphasized the significance of the Saudi market as a "major and permanent" destination for Jordanian agricultural goods. Khreisat also highlighted the ministry's ongoing initiatives to enhance the flow of Jordanian agricultural exports and broaden the range of recipient markets.
Dr. Khreisat noted that these efforts are aimed at supporting Jordanian farmers and maintaining agricultural production stability, which is crucial for the national food security system and the realization of the Economic Modernization Vision. Official data reveals that tomatoes are one of Jordan's leading export crops, with approximately 228,000 tonnes exported annually. This accounts for 86% of Jordanian agricultural exports to Gulf markets, with Saudi Arabia being the primary destination.