Jordan's Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply, Yarub Qudah, said that the complete exemption of Jordanian apparel and textile exports from U.S. customs duties allowing them to enter the American market duty-free marks a major milestone for Jordan's economy and reflects the strength of the strategic relationship between Jordan and the United States.
اضافة اعلان
In a press statement, Qudah explained that securing zero tariffs for Jordanian apparel was the result of intensive negotiations that lasted nearly a year under the framework of the Reciprocal Trade Agreement, which was signed in Washington last Tuesday.
The agreement builds on the success of the Jordan–U.S. Free Trade Agreement, which entered into force in 2001.
He added that the agreement set the reciprocal tariff rate on Jordanian goods at 10%, one of the lowest rates granted to exporting countries competing in the U.S. market.
However, Jordanian apparel and textile exports continue to enjoy full exemption from U.S. customs duties, providing Jordanian products with a significant competitive advantage and making the Kingdom more attractive for both domestic and foreign export-oriented industrial investment.
The minister said these gains are expected to directly increase Jordan's exports to the United States, particularly since the apparel and textile sector is Jordan's largest export category to the U.S. market. Exports from the sector exceeded JD 431 million during the first four months of this year alone.
Qudah stressed that these unprecedented trade preferences will play a key role in attracting a new wave of local and foreign industrial investment, while strengthening Jordan's position as a competitive regional hub for apparel and textile manufacturing.
He noted that increased investment, higher production, and expanding exports will create more sustainable employment opportunities for Jordanians, while also strengthening bilateral trade and advancing the shared economic interests of both countries.
The minister added that the government will continue implementing its strategic plans to increase the value added of Jordan's industrial sector by making full use of the Kingdom's network of free trade agreements with major global economic blocs.
According to Qudah, the new competitive advantages will enable Jordanian companies to expand their global market share and improve supply chain efficiency, contributing positively to the country's targeted economic growth.
He concluded by emphasizing that the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply is working closely with public- and private-sector partners to translate these achievements into tangible investment projects, while praising Jordan's industrial sector for its ability to adapt to global developments and maintain the high quality standards needed to compete successfully in international markets.
