Jordan has emerged with a new competitive edge in the U.S. market following recent global tariff adjustments, thanks to proactive economic diplomacy and long-standing strategic trade relations with the United States.
اضافة اعلان
Despite new tariffs imposed by the U.S. on imports from 69 countries, Jordanian exports have largely been shielded from steep increases. The Kingdom retained one of the lowest applied tariff rates, a development experts consider a significant diplomatic and economic win.
Economic analysts agree that Jordan’s ability to mitigate the impact of the new U.S. customs policy presents a valuable opportunity to expand its market share.
The outcome reflects the success of coordinated efforts by Jordanian institutions, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Supply, to preserve favorable trade terms.
"The newly imposed tariffs on Jordanian goods are among the lowest globally, which underscores the strength of our trade policy and commitment to maintaining a competitive economy," said Hamdi Tabbaa, President of the Jordanian Businessmen Association. "This will ease the burden on the private sector and help maintain price stability."
Tabbaa emphasized the importance of continued dialogue between the public and private sectors to monitor the long-term implications of the new policy and maintain the sustainability of Jordan’s export momentum.
Muath Al-Saaydeh, CEO of Pine Tree, a major Jordanian exporter to the U.S., described the reduced tariff level as a notable achievement. "Despite the global changes, Jordanian products are still subject to a 15% rate, and many goods remain at zero tariff thanks to the U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement," he said.
Signed in 2000 and implemented in 2001, the agreement offers full customs exemptions for most Jordanian exports, particularly in the textile sector, one of the Kingdom’s most prominent export industries.
Al-Saaydeh added that the continued enforcement of the free trade agreement means new tariffs are only partially applicable and will not affect the baseline zero-duty rate for covered goods.
Samer Judeh, Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Jordan, said the chamber is actively working with Jordanian companies to help them capitalize on the new conditions. "The changes give Jordan a strategic opening to enhance its role in U.S. supply chains and attract foreign investment aimed at export production," he noted.
Tayseer Younis, Vice President of the Jordanian-American Business Council, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Jordan’s relatively low tariff impact compared to other countries is a clear signal of its deep and enduring trade relationship with the U.S.
He called for a national task force to craft a strategic roadmap for maximizing the benefits of the trade agreement, encouraging joint ventures with American and Asian companies, and positioning Jordan as a gateway for regional and international manufacturing and distribution.
"The new tariff system can turn Jordan into a preferred production base," Dr. Younis said. "With modern logistics and digital supply chain management, we can build flexible, efficient trade routes linking Asia, Europe, and the Americas through Jordan."
According to Ihab Qadri, Representative of the Leather and Garment Sector at the Jordan Chamber of Industry, the revisions particularly benefit the apparel and leather sectors. "Jordan’s competitive advantage lies not only in tariff preferences but also in product quality and stable trade relations with the U.S.," he said.
Qadri warned that global customs schedules are dynamic and require close coordination between the government and industrial stakeholders to maintain responsiveness and protect market gains.
Economist Hussam Ayesh estimates the new tariff reductions have cut Jordan’s export-related duties to the U.S. from JOD 442 million to JOD 320 million, a savings of over JOD 110 million. He noted that the transition from a quota-based system to a competitive tariff regime could further enhance Jordan’s export competitiveness, particularly in textiles.
"This is a chance to strengthen Jordan’s economic flexibility and create more jobs," Ayesh said. "The U.S. remains one of our most successful export markets, and with smart policy, we can turn global shifts into sustainable national gains."
