Jordan’s leather and garment exports have grown 3% from January to August this year compared to the same period in 2024, showing the sector’s strong ability to withstand regional instability and global trade challenges.
According to Eng. Ihab Qadri, representative of the sector at the Jordan Chamber of Industry, exports reached $1.686 billion, up from $1.636 billion last year, with apparel making up 90% of the total.
He said this growth came despite disruptions in trade routes and transport in traditional markets.
Qadri noted that exports to European markets increased, with sales to Italy up 121% and to Germany up 97%. This rise, he said, reflects growing confidence in the quality and standards of Jordanian-made goods.
Arab markets also performed well, led by a 24% increase to Saudi Arabia, while exports to Mexico rose 20% and to the United States by 5%, even amid new tariffs.
He emphasized that the leather and garment sector contributes about 21% of Jordan’s total industrial exports, underscoring its importance to the national economy and job creation.
Many factories, he added, have upgraded their production lines to meet European and international quality standards, benefiting from free trade agreements with the EU and the U.S.
Qadri also highlighted progress in creating an industrial cluster for the leather and garment industries, supported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
The project has reached advanced stages, with feasibility studies completed and promotional plans launched to attract both local and foreign investment.
He called the initiative a vital part of Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision, aimed at reducing dependency on imported raw materials, which make up about 60% of total production costs.
The cluster is expected to help shorten supply chains, cut delivery times, and increase global competitiveness.
Today, the sector includes over 1,000 industrial units employing nearly 96,000 workers, of whom 31% are Jordanians and 70% are women making it one of the country’s most women-empowering industries.
