Amman, Jan 12 (Petra) — Newly announced agricultural export support package has drawn broad applause from sector specialists, with industry experts characterizing the Cabinet’s decision to halve air freight costs and cut maritime shipping rates by 25% as a timely intervention for the export market.
Experts told Petra that the government launched a significant export support initiative for its agricultural sector, offering substantial freight support to counter regional shipping disruptions and boost international market competitiveness.
The Cabinet-approved measures include a 50% subsidy on air freight costs and 25% on maritime shipping for fresh produce exports. The package also introduces a targeted JD50 ($70) per ton support for lemon exports, capped at 20,000 tons, financed through the Agricultural Risk Management Fund.
“This intervention comes at a critical time for the sector,” said Ali Abu Nuqta, Head of the Agricultural Engineers Syndicate. He noted the measures would help alleviate marketing bottlenecks during peak seasons while stimulating associated industries including grading, packaging, and transportation services.
Agricultural experts estimate Jordanian horticultural products currently target 60-70 international markets, competing primarily on quality metrics.
“Jordanian produce consistently meets international safety standards according to global laboratory certifications,” said Mahmoud Al-Ouran, Secretary-General of the Jordan Farmers Union.
However, the sector faces mounting pressures from global supply chain disruptions and regional instability. “Recent Red Sea shipping disruptions have significantly increased transportation costs,” Al-Ouran explained, adding that rising input prices have squeezed profit margins across the industry.
Agricultural economist Anwar Haddad highlighted the package’s potential to enhance export competitiveness while supporting auxiliary industries.
“The air and maritime freight subsidies could prove crucial in salvaging various crop seasons,” he said, emphasizing the broader economic implications for employment and value chain development.
Yet some industry stakeholders expressed concerns. Abdul Rahman Ghazawi, head of the Citrus Association, warned that concurrent policies allowing lemon imports could adversely affect local farmers.
Agricultural engineer Noura Al-Khreisha called for better export regulation and emphasized the need to balance international sales with domestic market stability.
The initiative marks a significant shift in agricultural export policy, aimed at maintaining Jordan’s position in international markets despite regional challenges.
Officials expect the measures to help producers weather current market disruptions while building longer-term export capacity.
The support package will be implemented through the Agricultural Risk Management Fund, though some experts cautioned against depleting resources needed for climate-related agricultural emergencies.
Industry observers note this policy intervention could prove particularly significant given recent border closures and regional tensions that have disrupted traditional land-based export routes, forcing producers to seek alternative transportation methods at considerably higher costs.
//Petra// AA
12/01/2025 13:32:32
