Zarqa, Jan. 4 (Petra) – The Zarqa Chamber of Industry (ZCI) announced in its 2024 annual report that industrial exports from the governorates of Zarqa and Mafraq exceeded $1.533 billion, marking a 17% growth compared to 2023.

In a statement on Saturday, ZCI’s President, Fares Hamoudeh, described this historic achievement as a reflection of the structural transformations in export dynamics, including diversification of products and export destinations.

Hamoudeh explained that the total export value for 2024 reached $1.533 billion, compared to $1.316 billion in 2023. These exports were facilitated through 19,364 certificates of origin. However, December witnessed a slight decline of 6%, with exports valued at $123.6 million compared to $131.2 million in the same month of the previous year.

He noted that North American countries accounted for 51% of total exports, amounting to $779.1 million, a 29% increase compared to 2023. The United States was the leading destination with $739 million, followed by Canada with $35 million.

Arab countries ranked second, representing 34% of total exports valued at $526.4 million. Iraq topped the list with $202.3 million (a 35% increase), followed by Saudi Arabia with $124.2 million, despite a 9% decline.
Hamoudeh added that exports to non-Arab Asian countries amounted to $100.3 million, reflecting a 16% increase. India emerged as a prominent destination with $7.1 million, despite a 4% decline, followed by Bangladesh and China.

Exports to the European Union reached $66.4 million, marking a 30% rise. The Netherlands led with $32.8 million, followed by the United Kingdom and Greece. In contrast, exports to non-Arab African countries declined by 38%, amounting to $2.4 million, with South Africa and Guinea taking the lead.

Hamoudeh highlighted that the leather and garment industries dominated exports with $855.44 million, a 27% increase. The food and agricultural industries ranked second with $261.67 million, up by 8%.

The engineering and electrical industries recorded a 19% growth, reaching $100.7 million, while exports of chemical and cosmetic products amounted to $70.44 million, reflecting a 6% growth. Other sectors witnessed varying growth rates, most notably the wood and furniture industries, which soared by 105%.

Hamoudeh emphasized that the continued diversification of markets and products strengthens the prospects for sustainable growth in industrial exports, underscoring the importance of supporting national industries to expand their regional and global presence.

//Petra// AF
04/01/2025 22:45:10