In recent years, Zarqa has established itself as a cornerstone in Jordan’s commercial export landscape. Strategically positioned and equipped with robust industrial capabilities, this city has become instrumental in driving economic growth through its diverse export activities. The evolution of Zarqa’s export sector not only reflects its own regional strengths but also highlights its integral role within the broader national trade dynamics of Jordan.
Zarqa’s Export Landscape and Market Diversity
The export figures from Zarqa in 2024 reveal a vibrant and multifaceted trading environment. In May 2024 alone, the city’s commercial exports surpassed JD 42.5 million (about USD 42.17 million), a figure reported by the Zarqa Chamber of Commerce that underscores the city’s accelerating economic momentum. Most of these exports stem from activities concentrated in the free zone and nearby industrial zones, emphasizing Zarqa’s pivotal role in re-exporting an assortment of goods. The range of products is notably broad: vehicles, electrical generators, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, accessories, perfumes, and plastic household items all emerge from Zarqa’s industrial base. This product diversity demonstrates not just the city’s varied manufacturing and logistical capacity but also its ability to cater to both domestic consumption and global markets—a dual advantage that fuels its growing export footprint.
National Export Trends and Zarqa’s Contribution
Zarqa’s export performance aligns tightly with the overall trend seen in Jordan’s national export statistics. The kingdom recorded a moderate but positive 1.9% growth in national exports during the first seven months of 2024, reaching JD 5.366 billion. This growth has been partly propelled by expanded access to critical international markets, notably the United States and countries within the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA). Jordan’s exports to the U.S. saw a notable boost of over 10%, reaching JD 865 million by May 2024 and contributing to a robust trade surplus of JD 674 million in the first eight months. Zarqa’s industrial centers and export hubs play a substantial role in this success story, reinforcing Jordan’s export base with their mix of manufactured and re-exported goods. In other words, the pulse of Zarqa beats at the heart of Jordan’s broader export engine, making it a key player in the kingdom’s economic diversification efforts.
Challenges and Resilience Amid Market Fluctuations
Despite these optimistic trends, Zarqa’s export sector has encountered notable fluctuations. The data indicates variability on a month-to-month basis, with a significant decline in exports recorded in June 2024, dropping to about JD 24.3 million compared to previous highs. Early 2024 also saw a slight 0.7% dip in industrial exports compared with the previous year. Such variations are not unexpected given the complex external economic factors at play—including shifting global demand patterns and adjustments in supply chains that affect both manufacturing outputs and re-export activities. Even so, Zarqa’s industrial sector has exhibited resilience; during the first quarter of 2025, exports from Zarqa and the Mafraq governorate remained stable at approximately USD 115 million per month. The cumulative industrial export value over ten months of 2024 reached a persuasive USD 1.3 billion, signifying sustained regional economic activity despite external pressures.
Key markets have further consolidated Zarqa’s export prominence. Iraq and Saudi Arabia stand out as significant trading partners, with export growth rates escalating by an impressive 35% and shipment values exceeding USD 160 million and USD 102 million, respectively. These expanding relationships highlight how Zarqa is not only cementing itself as a regional export hub but also tapping into the evolving trade patterns of the Middle East.
Infrastructure and Strategic Development Supporting Export Growth
Infrastructure investments in Zarqa greatly complement its export capacity. Developments within the Zarqa Free Zone, such as the establishment of a new desalination plant and upgraded logistics facilities, are directly aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and attracting further investment. Improvements in vehicle clearance processes and re-export volumes also signal an uptick in trade throughput. Moreover, the region benefits from significant transportation infrastructure projects, particularly the Amman-Zarqa Bus Rapid Transit system, which integrates Zarqa more tightly into Jordan’s national economic network. These strides not only facilitate smoother export operations but also underscore government and private sector commitments to sustained industrial and export diversification.
Collaboration with international development partners plays a crucial role in Zarqa’s forward momentum. Engagements with agencies like the Swiss Development Agency, focused on optimizing water resource management, reflect a strategic approach to sustainable industrial growth. As regional trade agreements continue to evolve and global market conditions remain dynamic, Zarqa is well positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities and maintain its status as a vital economic hub.
In essence, Zarqa’s commercial export achievements in 2024 paint a picture of a city that is both deeply embedded in Jordan’s national trade fabric and attuned to the complexities of the global market. Its diverse product range, steady industrial activity, strategic market linkages, and strengthening infrastructure collectively drive its export success. While challenges persist, the city’s adaptability and growth-oriented initiatives position it as a linchpin of Jordan’s ongoing efforts to foster economic resilience and broaden its competitive edge on the international stage.
