Packaging and Paper Industry: Jordan’s Export Landscape
Iraq and Saudi Arabia Dominate Jordan’s Export Markets
Muhammad Al-Safadi, representing the packaging, paper, cardboard, and office supplies sector within the Jordan Chamber of Industry, disclosed that Iraq and Saudi Arabia collectively accounted for 66% of the Chamber’s exports. This insight underscores the growing importance of these markets for Jordanian products.
Export Reach and Domestic Market Fulfillment
In his analysis, Al-Safadi emphasized that products from this sector reach 44 global markets while covering an impressive 77.2% of local market needs. This statistic highlights the robustness of local production capabilities and its competitive edge both regionally and on the international stage.
Key Export Destinations
Iraq and Saudi Arabia are pivotal to Jordan’s export landscape, being the primary markets for products in this sector. Other notable export destinations include the United Arab Emirates, Palestine, Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, Kuwait, Qatar, and Libya, indicating a diverse trading portfolio.
Export Performance Metrics
The data revealed a slight decline in export performance, with exports reaching 123 million dinars over the last 11 months of the previous year, compared to approximately 131 million dinars during the same timeframe in 2023. This trend is a critical area of focus for industry stakeholders aiming to improve their export figures.
Industry Context and Import Dynamics
At the start of this year, the Jordanian Chamber of Commerce highlighted that Iraq emerged as the foremost country for importing commercial goods from Jordan in 2024. Historically, Iraq has depended on imports from neighboring countries, significantly from Türkiye, especially given the backdrop of its earlier economic blockades, which once made Jordan a crucial market in the ’90s.
Conclusion
The findings presented by Al-Safadi illustrate the current state of Jordan’s packaging and paper sector, its competitive positioning in export markets, and the challenges it faces as it navigates regional trade dynamics. As the sector adapts to these conditions, ongoing monitoring of export trends will be essential for sustaining growth and enhancing market competitiveness.
