AMMAN, July 26 (Petra) — Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply
Yarub Qudah reaffirmed Sunday that the full exemption of Jordanian
garment and textile exports from U.S. customs tariffs provides local
industry with an unprecedented competitive edge, marking a major
qualitative shift for the national economy.

In a statement, Qudah explained that securing zero-duty access was
the culmination of intensive negotiations spanning nearly a full year
under the bilateral reciprocal trade agreement signed in Washington
last Tuesday. The deal builds directly upon the foundational
U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement enacted in 2001.

The minister noted that while the new agreement reduces mutual tariff
rates on standard Jordanian goods to 10 percent–among the lowest
rates compared to competing exporting nations–apparel and textile
products secured a total duty exemption. This complete waiver, he
stressed, enhances the Kingdom’s appeal for export-oriented domestic
and foreign industrial investment.

These key gains are expected to directly double national export
volumes to the U.S. market, Qudah added, noting that the clothing and
textile sector continues to top the list of Jordanian exports to the
United States, exceeding JOD 431 million during the first four months
of this year alone.

Qudah emphasized that these unprecedented trade facilities will play
a pivotal role in drawing a fresh wave of foreign direct investment,
solidifying Jordan’s status as a competitive regional hub for garment
manufacturing.

The resulting industrial expansion and steady surge in export
production will create sustainable new job opportunities for
Jordanians, deepen bilateral trade ties, and advance mutual economic
interests, the minister pointed out.

He added that the government is pushing ahead with strategic plans to
maximize added value within the industrial sector by leveraging
Jordan’s network of free trade agreements with global economic blocs,
allowing local enterprises to expand their market share and
strengthen supply chain resilience.

Qudah concluded by stating that the Ministry is working in close
coordination with public and private sector partners to translate
these trade concessions into tangible investment projects on the
ground, commending the agility and quality standards of the Jordanian
manufacturing sector.

//Petra// AA