AMMAN — Many traders in the clothing sector have
reported a 50 percent decrease in turnout for the current winter season
compared to 2023, as per Al-Ghad. This decline is attributed to reduced
purchasing power among a significant portion of Jordanian households, alongside
the negative psychological impact stemming from Israel's war on Gaza.
اضافة اعلان
The estimated number of clothing and shoe stores across
Jordan stands at about 15,000, with a workforce of approximately 69,000, the
majority of whom are Jordanians.
To stimulate the sector, workers urged the government
to cease dealing with postal parcels, which have harmed the sector's internal
competitiveness. Additionally, they emphasized the need for implementing
incentive measures, including reducing sales tax for citizens and cutting
operational costs for traders.
The President of the
Garment Traders Association (GTA),
Sultan Allan said, "The decline in sales movement at clothing stores has
prompted many of them to organize offers and discounts to overcome the state of
recession.”
Allan highlighted that the problem of postal parcels
continues to present a challenge to the sector, undermining its internal
competitiveness. He urged the government to end exemptions for postal parcels,
particularly in light of the current economic conditions and their adverse
effects on the clothing sector.
Notably, the
Ministry of Finance had previously decided
to decrease customs duties on postal parcels designated for personal use,
valued at up to JD200, to a fixed rate of 10 percent of the value, with a
minimum of JD5. Previously, a service fee of JD5 was imposed on goods valued at
less than JD50, and JD10 on goods valued at less than JD100, with a maximum
ceiling of JD100 for the value of each parcel.
Furthermore, an investor in the sector named Asaad
Al-Qawasmi remarked, "The sector is experiencing a state of semi-rejection
and evident decline in sales volume due to regional events and the prevalent
negative psychological state among most citizens, which affects their
purchasing inclination. Additionally, the challenging living and
economic conditions for most families exacerbate the situation."
He added,
"Despite the efforts of most clothing stores to arrange offers and discounts
to attract and incentivize citizens to make purchases and counteract the
decline in sales, the improvement in sales remains limited and below
expectations."
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Ministry of
Industry, Trade, and Supply, Yanal Barmawi, affirmed, "There is ongoing
monitoring of markets, particularly focusing on sectors that offer discounts
and promotions, such as the clothing sector, to ensure the authenticity of
these offers and their compliance with laws and regulations. This is essential
to protect consumers from any exploitative practices."
Barmawi reiterated the ministry's commitment to
upholding market stability and safeguarding consumers. He emphasized that the
ministry will not hesitate to impose sanctions on any party found violating the
laws and regulations governing market operations and various trade sectors.
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