Customs clearance and freight forwarding companies operating in Jordan processed 536,000 customs declarations during the first half of this year, compared to 445,000 in the same period last year, covering export, import, transit, and re-export transactions.
اضافة اعلان
The Omari Customs Center, which connects the Kingdom with Saudi Arabia, recorded the highest number of processed declarations at 130,887, followed by Aqaba with 95,493, Queen Alia International Airport with 86,747, Amman with 45,165, and Jaber crossing with Syria with 25,867. The remainder were distributed among other customs centers.
President of the Jordan Customs Clearance and Freight Forwarding Association, Dr. Dheifallah Abu Aqoula, told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that clearance companies at all customs centers are witnessing significant activity, driven by cargo movements both into the local market and through transit and re-export operations.
He noted that since the start of the year, there has been a surge in operations, prompting all 100 clearance companies at the Jaber Border Center to reopen fully and restore their workforce, working around the clock to complete customs declarations and expedite the flow of goods through the crossing.
Abu Aqoula highlighted that the reopening of trade with Syria has revitalized the trucking sector, especially after the Kingdom eased restrictions and reduced fees on trucks and goods. He confirmed that there is an active flow of Jordanian exports to Syria, particularly construction materials.
According to Abu Aqoula, 152,528 trucks crossed the Jaber Border Center in the first half of this year—whether loaded or empty inbound, loaded or empty outbound, or in transit—compared to 32,134 trucks during the same period last year.
At the Omari Border Center, the number of trucks crossing during the same period reached 221,518, compared to 197,003 in the first half of last year.
Clearance companies also processed 39,648 customs declarations for vehicles transiting the Kingdom during the first half of this year, compared to 23,880 in the same period last year.
The number of incoming containers through Aqaba Container Terminal increased to 235,492 in the first half of this year, up from 193,214 last year. Outgoing containers loaded with goods for export from Aqaba reached 52,214, compared to 48,303 during the same period in 2024.
Abu Aqoula renewed his call to reopen the Ramtha Customs Center for passenger, traveler, and public transport bus traffic, in light of mounting pressure on the Jaber Customs Center and the growing cargo volume passing through it.
He added that the association is considering organizing a business forum before the end of the year for clearance, transport, and logistics companies to develop a joint action plan that strengthens ties with neighboring countries, especially Syria, to facilitate the movement of goods across Jordan.
He pointed out that transport activity is expected to flourish this year following the reopening of export routes to Syria, Europe, and Turkey through Syrian territory.
Abu Aqoula also praised the substantial efforts and facilitation measures provided by various official bodies, including the Customs Department and security and regulatory agencies at the Jaber Border Center, to ensure smooth truck movements in both directions. He emphasized the strong coordination and partnership with the association, as well as with chambers of commerce and industry.
He affirmed that companies in the sector are fully capable of keeping pace with this growth and are working with relevant authorities to ensure the smooth flow of trade and enhance Jordan’s position as a regional logistics and trade hub.
There are currently 504 licensed clearance companies in Jordan, registered with the Customs Department, with 2,070 branches across all customs centers, providing around 10,000 jobs for Jordanians.
The Jordan Customs Clearance and Freight Forwarding Association was established in 1982 and is registered with the Ministry of Labor with the aim of serving the sector, addressing its challenges, and enhancing the professionalism and efficiency of company employees.
—(Petra)
