Jordan is bolstering its export position in the European Union to diversify its trade relationships and boost economic resilience. According to newly released data from the Department of Statistics, Jordan exports to the EU rose to JD143 million in the first quarter of 2025, up from JD125 million during the same period last year. This increase reflects the growing competitiveness of Jordanian products and deeper bilateral trade ties.
Imports from the EU also climbed by 9.6%, reaching JD986 million, compared to JD900 million a year earlier. The total trade volume between Jordan and the EU reached JD1.129 billion, with the trade deficit widening to JD843 million.
Italy remained Jordan’s leading EU trade partner, with exports rising 31.3% to JD21 million and imports increasing by 25.5% to JD187 million. Jordan’s key exports to the EU included apparel, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and agricultural goods, while major EU-origin imports were vehicles, machinery, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and processed foods.
Mohammad Al-Samadi, board member of the Jordanian-European Business Association (JEBA), attributed the export gains to improvements in market access mechanisms, particularly Jordan’s application of simplified rules of origin under a revised trade agreement with the EU. He also cited progress in meeting EU product and safety standards across the manufacturing and agro-processing sectors, which has helped improve the Kingdom’s export credibility.
Al-Samadi noted that JEBA has intensified its outreach by participating in European trade expos, launching promotional campaigns, and engaging with EU business associations, efforts that have reduced entry barriers and built new commercial ties.
Al-Samadi identified green technologies, ICT products, and creative industries as emerging sectors with high export potential. He emphasized the need for investment in innovation, R&D, and regulatory reform to sustain momentum.
Despite recent progress, exporters still face challenges, including high logistics costs, non-tariff barriers, and limited SME knowledge of EU market procedures. Al-Samadi called for closer coordination between the public and private sectors, stronger technical and financial support programs, and the removal of administrative obstacles.
He also urged a review of the EU-Jordan Association Agreement, especially clauses that affect agricultural and food-processing exports, which he said are hindered by burdensome regulations.
Highlighting the importance of global standards, Al-Samadi advocated for a national product traceability system, especially for dairy, meat, and processed foods, to enhance transparency and meet EU and U.S. import requirements.
He concluded that deeper integration into EU markets, home to over 450 million consumers, is essential to Jordan’s long-term export strategy. He stressed the role of public-private partnerships, regulatory enhancements, and technical cooperation in solidifying Jordan’s position in global value chains.
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