Ammon News - Jordan recorded trade surpluses with 10 Arab countries in the first half of 2026, while national exports to the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA) rose 4.4 percent, according to foreign trade data released by the Department of Statistics.

National exports to GAFTA markets reached JD1.997 billion during the first six months of the year, up from JD1.912 billion in the same period of 2025.

Imports grew at a significantly faster pace, rising 26.3 percent to JD3.296 billion from JD2.610 billion a year earlier. The increase widened Jordan's overall trade deficit with GAFTA countries to JD1.299 billion, compared with JD698 million in the first half of 2025.

Despite the wider deficit, Arab markets maintained their position as Jordan's largest export destination, accounting for about 42.8 percent of the Kingdom's total national exports during the period.

Jordan posted bilateral trade surpluses with Lebanon, Yemen, Libya, Morocco, Kuwait, Syria, Palestine, Algeria, Iraq and South Sudan. Trade deficits were recorded with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt, Oman, Tunisia and Sudan.

Saudi Arabia was Jordan's largest GAFTA export market in the first half, with national exports valued at about JD529 million.

Iraq followed at JD522 million, with exports increasing 16.3 percent from a year earlier, while shipments to Syria climbed 36.4 percent to JD146 million.

Jordan's exports to Arab markets were led by fertilizers, pharmaceuticals and agricultural products, including fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. Other key exports included salts, skincare products, food preparations, furniture, textiles, garments and paints.

Major imports from GAFTA countries included crude oil and petroleum products, jewelry, food products, plastic sheets and plates, titanium oxide, polyethylene, polystyrene, iron and iron products.

The figures came as Jordan's overall national exports increased 6.2 percent in the first half to JD4.667 billion. Re-exports rose 44.6 percent to JD1.747 billion, bringing total exports to JD6.414 billion, up 14.5 percent year-on-year.

GAFTA, which came into effect in January 2005, comprises 18 Arab countries and is designed to promote regional economic integration and facilitate intra-Arab trade through reduced customs barriers.