
Jordan's exports to GAFTA countries rise by 12.2% by end of February
National exports to the Greater Arab Free Trade Area countries grow by 12.2 per cent by the end of February 2025, reaching JD515 million, compared to JD459 million for the same period last year (Petra photo)
AMMAN — National exports to the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA) countries grew by 12.2 per cent by the end of February 2025, reaching JD515 million, compared to JD459 million for the same period last year.
Meanwhile, the Kingdom's imports from the GAFTA nations increased by 4.2 per cent for the same period, recording JD863 million, compared to JD828 million last year, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
Foreign trade data from the Department of Statistics (DoS) showed a decline in the Kingdom's trade deficit with the GAFTA countries for the same period, reaching JD348 million, compared to JD369 million against last year.
According to statistical figures, the volume of Jordan-GAFTA trade for the same period stood at JD1.378 billion, compared to the same period last year, when it stood at JD1.287 billion.
Saudi Arabia accounted for the largest share of national exports to these countries by the end of February of 2025, amounting to some JD141 million, marking an increase of 6.8 per cent, while Iraq followed with JD136 million, constituting an increase of 15.3 per cent.
National exports also witnessed "significant" growth with Syria, reaching JD35 million, marking an increase of 483.3 per cent.
Also, Saudi Arabia topped exporters to Jordan, as the Kingdom's imports from Saudi Arabia amounted to JD519 million, which brings Jordan's trade deficit with Saudi Arabia to JD378 million at the end of February of 2025.
Jordanian exports to GAFTA countries are mainly fertilisers, medicines, agricultural fresh and frozen products, skin care products, food preparations, furniture, fabrics, and garments.
Meanwhile, the Kingdom's imports are primarily crude oil and its derivatives, jewellery, food products, plastic items, titanium dioxide, polyethylene, polystyrene, and iron.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Wamda
2 hours ago
- Wamda
Netaj launches Nawat, Iraq's first VC studio to back high-potential startups
Iraq-based innovation platform Netaj has launched "Nawat", a venture capital studio that offers a six-month hands-on programme for 40 selected startups across three tracks: ideation, MVP, and early-stage. The studio provides tailored support, including expert-led bootcamps, mentorship, and direct access to investors while offering hybrid investment: in-kind support ($10K–$25K) and direct funding ($25K–$250K) via convertible notes or equity. Netaj aims to invest in 5–10 high-potential startups, helping transform Iraq's startup landscape with local infrastructure, capital, and founder-first tools, while enabling scalable, investor-ready businesses that can expand across the region and beyond. Press release: Netaj, Iraq's leading innovation and entrepreneurship platform, proudly announces the official launch of Nawat, the country's first-ever Venture Capital (VC) Studio, marking a milestone in Iraq's evolving startup ecosystem. Nawat, Netaj's VC Studio, is designed to identify, support, and invest in high-potential Iraqi startups through a tailored 6-month journey that combines mentorship, product development, market access, and funding readiness. 'Nawat is a movement to reimagine how startups are built and backed in Iraq,' said Wissam Mattout, CEO of Netaj. 'We are bridging the gap between raw talent and structured capital, offering founders a launchpad to scale both locally and globally.' 'For too long, Iraqi entrepreneurs have had to build in isolation,' added Mattout. 'Nawat will equip them with the expertise, tools, and capital they need, not just to survive, but to lead the next wave of innovation in the region.' A Studio Model Built Locally Unlike one-size-fits-all traditional accelerators, the VC studio model takes a hands-on, co-building approach, allowing Netaj to work closely with founders from idea validation to product-market fit, and ultimately, investment. The studio is open to 40 startups, segmented across three tracks: • Ideation stage • MVP/Prototype stage • Early-established startups Each startup receives customised support, including expert-led bootcamps, one-on-one consultations, mentorship from industry veterans, and direct access to investors through demo days and curated matchmaking. 'This is Iraq's moment,' said Mattout. 'If we want to build serious startups, we need serious infrastructure. Nawat is the missing puzzle piece — designed for founders, by founders.' Strategic Investment + In-Kind Support Nawat offers a hybrid investment model, combining: • In-kind investment (product development, branding, digital tools) valued between $10K and $25K. • Direct financial investment ranging from $25K to $250K using convertible notes or equity. Netaj aims to invest in the top 5–10 startups that demonstrate traction, scalability, and founder commitment to operational growth. A New Era for Iraqi Startups With its headquarters in Baghdad's Jadriyah district, Netaj has positioned itself as a central hub for entrepreneurship in Iraq. Through Nawat, it seeks to nurture and back problem-driven founders, market-ready, and positioned for regional and ultimately global expansion. The launch of Nawat arrives at a time when the Iraqi private sector is in urgent need of innovation-driven ventures, digital solutions, and youth-led economic activity.


Al Bawaba
14 hours ago
- Al Bawaba
"Suicidal Move:" Iran prepared to block oil lifeline
Published June 22nd, 2025 - 03:59 GMT ALBAWABA - As tensions rise in the area, Iran has made it clear that it is ready to close the crucial Strait of Hormuz. On Sunday, a member of Iran's National Security Committee said that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is ready to stop the important route if necessary. Also Read Houthis: US attacks on Iran are 'war declaration' The move is said to have been accepted by the Iranian government, but the Supreme National Security Council has yet to give its official news comes after the United States attacked Iran's nuclear facilities with missiles. President Donald Trump stated that American fighter jets hit important sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. This is the first time that the U.S. has directly joined the war between Israel and response to Iran's threat, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance said that stopping ships from using the Strait of Hormuz would be a "suicidal" move for Tehran. Besides that, he said that the U.S. had gotten notes from Iranian leaders after the American strikes. According to Iranian media, talks are happening in parliament about possibly leaving the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). This makes nuclear fears even higher. Furthermore, top IRGC leaders have made it clear that closing the strait is still a real possibility. BREAKING: Iranian parliament has just voted to close the Strait of Hormuz. - 20% of global oil passes through the StraitHERE's what to expect if successful:- Oil Prices could spike by 30–50%+ almost immediately- Global Inflation likely Rises - U.S. Gas Prices likely… — Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) June 22, 2025 Almost a third of the world's oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, making it an important route for energy sources around the world. Any problems with this chapter would have big effects on the economy and on world politics. Israeli started a war operation against Iran on June 13, going after nuclear sites, missile camps, and top leaders. Since then, tensions have continued to rise. In response, Iran attacked towns like Tel Aviv and Haifa with nuclear missiles, which did a lot of damage and hurt a lot of people. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (


Al Bawaba
19 hours ago
- Al Bawaba
Viva Kalayaan! Ooredoo Joins the Celebration for the 2025 Philippine Independence Day
Ooredoo participated in the 2025 Philippine Independence Day celebrations in Oman as the official telecom sponsor. The event, held last week, was a vibrant tribute to culture, community, and connection, reflecting Ooredoo's strong bond with the dynamic Filipino community in the Ooredoo team was at the heart of the celebrations with a dedicated space, where they shared the latest offers, showcased innovative products, and connected with attendees in a festive Independence Day is not only a celebration of heritage, but also a chance to honour the vibrant role this community plays in Oman's social and economic landscape. As part of its ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, Ooredoo is proud to support events that bring people together and celebrate the rich cultural fabric of Oman. By participating in this important day, Ooredoo reinforces its role in supporting communities through more than just telecom services, fostering meaningful connections and shared experiences. The company continues to lead with purpose, blending innovation with a human touch, and supporting communities through inclusivity, engagement, and cutting-edge digital experiences. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba ( Signal PressWire is the world's largest independent Middle East PR distribution service.