Jordan Times
Friday, April 23, 2004
Iraq remains largest Arab
importer of Jordanian products
By Rami Abdelrahman
AMMAN — Despite a major decline in exports to Iraqi market last month, the
neighbouring country is still considered Jordan's best market for exports.
Jordan Exports Development Corporation Acting Director General Salah Ghunaim
told The Jordan Times that exports to Iraq reached JD60 million since the
beginning of 2004, placing it at the top of Arab importing countries. During
January to the end of February 2003, exports to Iraq reached only JD36.6
million.
He added that the current figure was mostly achieved during the first two
months, while in March exports to Iraq witnessed a decline due to the current
security state in Iraq.
The roads from the Jordanian-Iraqi border to Iraqi cities have witnessed many
closures during the last month due to security reasons. Jordanian truck drivers
are avoiding going to Iraq, while Iraqi truck drivers are abandoning their
trucks and are moving goods in small cars, the official said.
He added that imports from the war-torn neighbour recorded only JD 2 million
during the same period which makes the trade balance between both countries in
Jordan's favour.
According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade's monthly bulletin, Jordanian
exports to Arab countries in general increased from JD92.7 million to JD126.6
million during the first two months of this year, growing by 36.6 per cent.
Syria came second among Arab states, importing JD21 million worth of goods
during the same period.
Lebanon's imports from Jordan amounted to JD7.7 million, coming in third place,
compared to a JD6.2 million during the same period last year.
Exports to the United Arab Emirates reached JD7.9 million, rising by JD900,000
from the amount recorded during the first two months of last year. Jordan's
exports to Tunisia, coming at fifth place, reached JD700,000 during the same
period. Other Arab countries' imports from Jordan reached approximately JD30
million.