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RIYADH: Jordan’s industrial sector saw exports rising by 7.5 percent in the first eight months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to official data. 

The nation’s industrial exports from January to August reached 5.56 billion Jordanian dinars ($7.84 billion), up from 5.17 billion dinars recorded during the same period in 2024, the Jordan News Agency, also known as Petra, reported, citing data from the Jordan Chamber of Industry. 

This strong performance means industrial exports accounted for 91 percent of Jordan’s total national exports, which grew 8 percent year on year to reach 6.09 billion dinars.

This positive data comes as Jordan actively positions its industrial sector as a primary engine for economic growth, job creation, and trade-deficit reduction, in line with the nation’s Economic Modernization Vision, which aims to make the country a regional hub for high-value exports.

The JCI attributed the growth to the industrial sector’s “high flexibility and ability to adapt to external challenges.” This export-led expansion remains a critical factor in narrowing the trade deficit and increasing the industry’s contribution to the national economy. 

Data also showed that industrial exports now cover 42 percent of the country’s import bill.

A detailed breakdown by the JCI’s Studies and Policies Department showed growth in nine out of 10 industrial subsectors. The construction industries segment led with a 77.6 percent increase, while the wood and furniture industries sector was the only one to decline, falling 11.2 percent.

The chemical and cosmetics industries sector topped the list with exports worth 1.23 billion dinars, narrowly edging out the leather and textiles sector, which recorded 1.19 billion dinars.

The engineering and electrical industries sector followed with 1.03 billion dinars, while the mining and food and supplies sectors rounded out the top five at 751 million dinars and 590 million dinars, respectively. 

Other sectors included therapeutic industries and medical supplies at 399 million dinars, and plastics and rubber at 123 million dinars. 

Key exported products driving this growth included clothing and accessories, nitrogenous and chemical fertilizers, and pharmaceutical preparations. 

Exports reached a diverse range of international markets, with �������� and India as the top destinations, followed by Iraq and Syria. 

RIYADH: The Red Sea Gateway Terminal has signed an agreement with French-based CMA CGM Group to develop and operate a fourth container terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port, the Saudi Ports Authority announced. 

The agreement worth SR1.7 billion ($433 million) was signed during the ninth annual edition of the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The agreement aligns with ��������’s National Industrial Development and Logistics Program aims to increase the contribution of the logistics sector to the Kingdom’s gross domestic product to 10 percent by 2030, up from 6 percent now. 

The SPA report added that the fourth container terminal at the Jeddah Islamic Port is expected to have a handling capacity of 2.6 million twenty-foot equivalent units, further strengthening the facility’s position as a major logistics and trade hub on the Red Sea.

SPA, quoting Suliman Al-Mazroua, president of the Saudi Ports Authority, also known as Mawani, said that the “strategic partnership reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to realizing the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, particularly in transforming Saudi ports into world-class logistics hubs.” 

He added that Mawani is proud to support initiatives that enhance capacity, connectivity, and innovation across its port network, reinforcing the Kingdom’s role as a global gateway for trade and a driver of sustainable economic growth.

The new terminal is a part of RSGT’s broader expansion strategy at Jeddah Islamic Port under its existing long-term concession with Mawani, originally executed in 2020.

The SR1.7 billion investment will focus on building advanced infrastructure, deploying modern cargo-handling equipment, and integrating next-generation digital and sustainable technologies to enhance operational efficiency and reliability.

Once completed, the terminal will increase RSGT’s total annual handling capacity to about 8.8 million TEUs. 

The project is also expected to strengthen Jeddah Islamic Port’s competitiveness by improving service quality and connectivity through CMA CGM’s global network and RSGT’s operational expertise. 

Jeddah Islamic Port, the largest such facility on the Red Sea, plays a pivotal regional and international role due to its strategic location and 62 multipurpose berths, further cementing the Kingdom’s leadership in the global maritime and logistics sectors.