Ammon News - Amman Chamber of Industry (ACI)'s exports exceeded JD2 billion during the first six months of 2021, driven by a hike in exporting 7 sub-sectors' products, mainly engineering, foodstuff and chemicals.

The ACI's exports during the January-June period increased by 5% to reach JD2,344 billion, compared to JD2,235 billion for the same period in 2019, the year preceding the global turmoil due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to statistical data issued by the ACI, the United States of America, India, Saudi Arabia and Iraq accounted for more than half of the ACI's exports during the first half of 2021, with a value of JD1.314 billion.

Noticeably, exports to the US market increased by 68 percent, recording about JD435 million, compared to JD259 million for the same period in 2019.

ACI's industry exports to India amounted to JD321 million, followed by Saudi Arabia at JD301 million, and Iraq at about JD257 million, according to the certificates of origin issued during the first half of 2021.

The ACI's data also showed an increase in the Chamber's exports to many Arab and foreign countries, most notably the UAE, Syria, Egypt, Brazil, Qatar, Algeria, Belgium, among others.

On the other hand, the ACI's exports dropped during the first half 2021 to some Arab and foreign countries, including Palestine, China, Indonesia, Lebanon, Italy, Australia, Spain, Canada and other countries, which concentrated on the chemical and cosmetic industries at a value of JD537 million, mining at JD488 million, and therapeutic and medical supplies at JD316 million.

The exports of catering, food, agricultural and livestock industries amounted to JD288 million, engineering, electrical and information technology hit JD253 million, while leather and textiles reached JD208 million, according to the ACI's figures.