During a Meeting with Exporters to the United States
Minister of Industry: Dialogue Underway with the U.S. to Address Tariff Challenges
Al-Jaghbir: Many Options Are Available for the National Industry — "We Are Capable of Adapting and Persevering"

Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply, Eng. Yarub Qudah, stated that Jordan is engaged in direct dialogue with the United States to find solutions to any potential challenges arising from the newly imposed customs tariffs.
Qudah emphasized that the national economy is strong and resilient, and Jordan possesses a range of tools and options to overcome any unexpected challenges — whether through supporting the industrial sector, diversifying export markets, or empowering local industries and expanding their market share.
Reaffirming during a meeting with the industrial sector, the Minister noted that the tariffs imposed by the United States are part of a global measure and do not target any specific country. He stressed that Jordan enjoys strong and strategic relations with the United States.
He further affirmed that Jordan believes in the principle of reciprocity in ways that serve national interests, while also respecting its agreements with various economic blocs, particularly those in the Arab world. However, the Kingdom is not considering imposing tariffs on any country at this time, emphasizing that "our goal is to expand the reach of Jordanian exports to global markets."

   

The Minister also pointed out that the government has multiple solutions to mitigate any negative impacts from the U.S. tariff decision. These include enhancing support for the industrial sector to compensate for any potential losses and strengthening the competitiveness of locally produced goods.
Qudah reiterated that the measures taken by the United States are not country-specific. He confirmed that the Free Trade Agreement between the two countries remains in effect and that Jordan's relationship with the U.S. remains exceptional. He noted that ongoing dialogue aims to turn challenges into real opportunities and that Jordan seeks to increase its exports to the American market.
He added that the government acknowledges the vital role of the industrial sector and is aligned with the Chamber of Industry in its efforts to diversify export markets, especially to African countries and Central Asia. This also includes maximizing the benefits of trade agreements signed with other economic blocs.

Qudah mentioned an upcoming visit next month to an undisclosed African country to initiate dialogue on a preferential trade agreement, which would open significant portions of the African market to Jordanian industrial exports. He also referred to ongoing discussions with the Customs Union of Central Asian countries to reach a preferential trade agreement for Jordanian exports and help expand their market presence.
He noted that expanding and diversifying export markets — as well as boosting exports, which have grown substantially in recent years — is a strategic priority for Jordan, not merely a reactive measure. "We are committed to continuing on this path," he said, emphasizing that exports are a cornerstone of industrial development.
For his part, President of the Jordan and Amman Chambers of Industry, Eng. Fathi Al-Jaghbir, affirmed that the national economy is strong and that the industrial sector has many options available. “As industrialists, we are capable of adapting, compensating, and remaining resilient,” he said.

Al-Jaghbair also stated that the industrial sector has great confidence in the wise leadership of the country and the government's ability to act decisively, leveraging Jordan's distinguished diplomatic relations to help minimize the impact of the tariffs on national exports.
He highlighted that Jordan has already overcome numerous economic challenges and has proven its resilience. He stressed the importance of increasing the industrial sector’s share in the local market and exploring new and unconventional export markets.
Several industrialists participating in the meeting proposed a number of solutions that could help ease the impact of the tariffs on Jordanian exports to the U.S. market. These included revising the government’s support mechanisms for the sector, utilizing diplomatic channels, leveraging Jordan’s favorable business environment — considered one of the best in the region — and providing immediate support programs through the Jordan Export House to facilitate entry into alternative markets.

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