Amman, June 1 (Petra) — The pharmaceutical industry posted
double-digit export growth during the first quarter of 2026,
reinforcing its position as one of the Kingdom’s leading high-value
manufacturing sectors and a key contributor to industrial export
expansion.

Exports of pharmaceutical preparations, or human medicines, climbed
17.6 percent year-on-year to JD147 million during the first three
months of the year, up from JD125 million in the corresponding period
of 2025, according to Department of Statistics data cited by industry
representatives.

The increase places pharmaceutical products among Jordan’s
fastest-growing industrial exports, highlighting the sector’s
expanding reach in international markets and its growing contribution
to the objectives of the Economic Modernization Vision.

Fadi Al-Atrash, representative of the Therapeutic Industries and
Medical Supplies Sector at the Jordan Chamber of Industry, said
pharmaceutical exports ranked as the second most rapidly growing
industrial export category during the first quarter, behind mining
industries.

He noted that the sector’s performance is broadly aligned with
national targets aimed at increasing pharmaceutical exports to
approximately JD2.1 billion by 2033.

According to Al-Atrash, the sustained growth reflects rising
confidence in Jordanian-made medicines across regional and
international markets, supported by the industry’s reputation for
quality, regulatory compliance and competitive production
capabilities.

He also pointed to ongoing efforts to expand into new markets,
alongside continued support for the sector aimed at strengthening its
export performance and global presence.

A major development supporting the industry’s international standing
has been Jordan’s accession, through the Jordan Food and Drug
Administration, to the Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme
(PIC/S), a globally recognized framework for pharmaceutical
regulatory cooperation and inspection standards.

Al-Atrash said the move is expected to enhance international
recognition of Jordan’s pharmaceutical oversight system, strengthen
confidence in locally manufactured medicines, and facilitate entry
into additional export markets.

The sector has continued to broaden its international footprint
through the introduction of new pharmaceutical products and the
registration of innovative medicines tailored to the needs of
overseas markets, he added.

Jordanian pharmaceutical exports currently reach 85 countries,
reflecting the industry’s ability to compete in diverse markets
despite intensifying global competition.

Industry growth has also been supported by efforts to help
manufacturers comply with international Good Manufacturing Practice
standards, which have improved product quality and strengthened
export competitiveness.

The pharmaceutical sector remains one of Jordan’s most advanced
manufacturing industries, combining high value-added production with
a skilled workforce and strong research and development capabilities.

Today, the sector includes nearly 30 manufacturing facilities
operating across the Kingdom and provides around 10,000 direct jobs,
with women accounting for approximately 35 percent of total
employment.

Jordanian manufacturers produce more than 5,000 pharmaceutical
products covering a wide range of therapeutic areas, including
chronic diseases, cancer treatments, infectious diseases,
neurological and psychiatric disorders, allergies and
gastrointestinal conditions.

The industry also manufactures a broad portfolio of dosage forms,
ranging from tablets and capsules to injectable medicines,
intravenous solutions, sprays, drops and topical treatments.

Al-Atrash said the sector’s annual production capacity has reached
approximately JD1.5 billion, supported by a business model focused on
branded generic medicines and adherence to stringent international
quality standards.

With expanding export markets, enhanced regulatory recognition and
continued investment in product development, the pharmaceutical
industry is increasingly viewed as one of Jordan’s strongest
industrial success stories and a strategic pillar of future export
growth.

//Petra// RZ