The leather and textile industries sector in Jordan is witnessing a notable resurgence in exports, driven largely by increased foreign demand, particularly from the American market, according to Ihab Qadri, the representative of the sector in the Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI).

Qadri highlighted in a recent interview with “Petra” that the sector’s exports grew by an impressive 20.5% in the first five months of this year compared to the same period in 2023. This growth trajectory has pushed the sector’s exports beyond the JD635 million (approxi $890 Million) mark, making up 19.4% of Jordan’s total industrial exports.

“This remarkable growth is a sign of recovery,” Qadri noted, indicating that the sector is gradually returning to its previous high export levels. The U.S. market, which absorbs 80% of the sector’s exports, has been a significant driver of this recovery. In addition, Jordanian exporters have made inroads into new European markets, with the Netherlands and Belgium being primary targets.

While the American market remains a cornerstone for the sector, Qadri stressed the importance of exploring non-traditional markets to sustain this upward trend. The World Trade Center (WTC) estimates that there are untapped export opportunities worth over $688 million in various global markets. Capitalizing on these opportunities could further boost the sector’s export index.

However, despite the growth in exports, the local market tells a different story. Qadri pointed out a concerning decline in local sales, which he attributes to the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza. This conflict has led to a significant slowdown in economic activities across various sectors in Jordan, including leather and textiles.

Jordan’s leather and textile industries are showing signs of recovery in the export market, particularly with the strong performance in the U.S. and European markets. However, significant challenges persist in the local market, driven by external economic pressures and increased competition from imports. For sustained growth, the sector must continue to diversify its export destinations while addressing the obstacles hindering its performance domestically.