Ammon News - New U.S. tariffs on Jordanian imports of 15% will take effect on Thursday, which is the "lowest additional tariff rate" among countries with a trade surplus with the United States.

In a previous statement, a source confirmed that this percentage, which Jordan obtained after months on intensive negotiations between Jordan and the USA, preserves the competitiveness of Jordanian exports in US markets.

On August 1, the White House unveiled a new set of tariffs targeting over 67 countries, including Jordan, with rates ranging from 10% to 41% based on trade dynamics and the state of bilateral negotiations.

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on July 31, 2025, setting the tariffs to take effect on August 7, 2025, seven days after the order was issued, to allow a grace period for customs procedures.

Customs duties included Jordan at 15%, Tunisia at 25%, Algeria and Libya at 30%, Iraq at 35%, and Syria at 41%.

The 15% rate is part of a package of countries that are treated the same way, such as the European Union, Japan, South Korea, and others, whether because of the size of the trade deficit or because the countries have not concluded allocation agreements.

Since 2001, Jordan has benefited from a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States, allowing a portion of its exports to enter the U.S. market duty-free.

Minister of Industry and Trade Yarub Qudah said that Jordan has been negotiating with the United states over the past few months, obtaining the lowest tariff increase among countries withe free trade agreements or with a trade surplus.

The additional US customs duties gave Jordan a competitive advantage, Qudah explained, adding: "When the Kingdom is subject to a 15% duty, while other countries competing with it in the US market are subject to higher rates, this strengthens the competitive advantage of Jordanian products compared to what they had previously."

He emphasized that the free trade agreement between Jordan and the United States remains in place, and that it is what provided this preferential advantage. He explained that customs duties imposed on most countries around the world ranged between 15% and 40%, with Jordan receiving the lowest rate.

Additionally, the minister emphasized the importance of Jordan obtaining the lowest customs duty rates for industries destined for the US market, noting that this enhances export opportunities to this market and increases the Kingdom's investment attractiveness.