Amman, July 22 (Petra) — The newly signed Reciprocal Trade Agreement
between Jordan and the United States marks a “significant” step in
strengthening bilateral economic ties beyond tariff adjustments,
creating new opportunities for trade, investment and long-term
business partnerships, the American Chamber of Commerce in Jordan
(AmCham-Jordan) ,Samer Judeh, said Wednesday.

Judeh, in remarks to “Petra,” the agreement builds on the two
countries’ “longstanding” economic partnership by expanding
frameworks for trade and investment, creating new opportunities for
Jordanian and US companies, and strengthening cooperation in
services, digital trade, innovation and supply chains.

He said the agreement “goes beyond” improving market access by giving
the business community greater confidence to establish long-term
commercial partnerships, explore new investment opportunities and
expand operations in both markets.

On its future vision, Judeh said AmCham looks forward to working with
public and private sector partners to translate the agreement into
“tangible” opportunities for economic growth, investment, job
creation and higher bilateral trade.

He noted the agreement builds on the Jordan-US Free Trade Agreement,
which entered into force in 2001 after Jordan became the first Arab
country to sign such a pact with the United States, providing
Jordanian exports with tariff and tax priviliges.

Judeh said the new agreement is designed to benefit both countries by
facilitating Jordanian exports and entry of US products, technology
and expertise into Jordan.

The pact, he stated, also spurs American companies to invest locally
and partner with Jordanian businesses to expand into regional
markets, as well as supporting Jordanian companies seeking to
establish a commercial presence in the United States.

Jordan’s exports to the United States approximately reached $3
billion in 2025, while imports totaled about $2 billion, reflecting
the “depth” of bilateral economic interests and the importance of
maintaining a clear and predictable framework for businesses and
investors, he said.

Judeh called for expanding the number of sectors and companies
benefiting from the agreement, adding that “its success should be
measured not by tariff rates alone but by the volume of new trade it
generates across all sectors.”

As for its scope, the agreement is projected to streamline movement
of goods between the two countries, supporting increased Jordanian
exports to the US market, including apparel and garments, while
easing access for American products, including agricultural goods and
vehicles, to Jordan.

Under the agreement, the United States will cut reciprocal tariffs on
Jordanian goods to 10 percent and grant the apparel and garments
sector more preferential access to the US market, supporting
Jordanian exports, which totaled JD595 million during the first four
months of this year, led by apparel, jewelry, electrical machinery
and pharmaceutical products. Jordan will continue providing tariff
exemptions for US exports under the 2001 Free Trade Agreement.

The agreement also features measures to facilitate bilateral trade by
enforcing environmental laws, protecting labor rights, launching
stronger intellectual property safeguards, fair trade practices,
improving customs procedures, removing trade barriers and enhancing
market access for US goods, including agricultural products and
vehicles.

//Petra// NQ