 RESTRICTED  
  
WT/TPR/S/446  
23 August 2023  
(23-5653) Page: 1/93 
Trade Policy Review Body   
 
 
TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
REPORT BY THE SECRETARIAT  
JORDAN  
This report, prepared for the third Trade Policy Review of Jordan, has been drawn up by the WTO 
Secretariat on its own responsibility. The Secretariat has, as required by the Agreement establishing 
the Trade Policy Review Mechanism (Annex  3 of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the 
World  Trade Organization), sought clarification from Jordan on its trade policies and practices.  
 
Any technical questions arising from this report  may be addressed to Mr  Ricardo  Barba 
(tel. 022 739 5088), Mr  Xinyi Li (tel.  022 739 5579), and Mr  Carlos  Pérez  del Castillo 
(tel. 022 739 5336).  
 
Document WT/TPR/G/446 contains the policy statement submitted by Jordan.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note: This report is subject to restricted circulation and press embargo until the end of the 
first session of the meeting of the Trade Policy Review Body on Jordan. This report was drafted in 
English.   WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 2 - 
 
  CONTENTS  
SUMMARY  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  6 
1  ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT  ................................ ................................ ...........................  9 
1.1  Main features of the economy  ................................ ................................ ......................  9 
1.2  Recent economic developments  ................................ ................................ ...................  10 
1.2.1  Monetary and exchange rate policies  ................................ ................................ .........  12 
1.2.2  Fiscal policy  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  13 
1.2.3  Balance of payments  ................................ ................................ ...............................  13 
1.3  Trade and investment performance  ................................ ................................ ..............  14 
1.3.1  Trade in goods  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 14 
1.3.2  Trade in services  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 17 
1.3.3  Foreign direct investment  ................................ ................................ ........................  18 
2  TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIMES  ................................ ................................ ...........  19 
2.1  General framework  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 19 
2.2  Trade policy formulation and objectives  ................................ ................................ ........  19 
2.3  Trade agreements and arrangements  ................................ ................................ ...........  23 
2.3.1  WTO ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  23 
2.3.2  Regional and preferential agreements  ................................ ................................ ........  24 
2.3.3  Preferential trade arrangements  ................................ ................................ ................  26 
2.4  Investment regime  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 27 
3  TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  ................................ .........................  31 
3.1  Measures directly affecting imports  ................................ ................................ ..............  31 
3.1.1  Customs procedures, valuation, and requirements  ................................ .......................  31 
3.1.2  Rules of origin  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  33 
3.1.3  Tariffs  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  33 
3.1.3.1   MFN bound and applied tariff  ................................ ................................ .................  33 
3.1.3.2   Preferential tariffs  ................................ ................................ ................................  37 
3.1.4  Other taxes and charges affecting imports  ................................ ................................ .. 37 
3.1.4.1   Other duties and charges  ................................ ................................ ......................  37 
3.1.4.2   Internal taxes collect ed at the border  ................................ ................................ ...... 37 
3.1.5  Anti-dumping, countervailing, and safeguard measures  ................................ ................  39 
3.1.6  Import prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing  ................................ ............................  39 
3.1.6.1   Import prohibitions  ................................ ................................ ..............................  39 
3.1.6.2   Import licensing and import restrictions  ................................ ................................ .. 40 
3.1.7  Other measures affecting imports  ................................ ................................ .............  41 
3.2  Measures directly affecting exports  ................................ ................................ ..............  41 
3.2.1  Customs procedures and requirements  ................................ ................................ ...... 41 
3.2.2  Taxes, charges, and levies  ................................ ................................ .......................  41 
3.2.3  Export prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing  ................................ .............................  42 
3.2.4  Export support and promotion  ................................ ................................ ..................  42 WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 3 - 
 
  3.2.4.1   Free zones and development zones  ................................ ................................ .........  42 
3.2.4.2   Export promotion  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 43 
3.2.4.3   Export finance, insurance, and  guarantees  ................................ ...............................  43 
3.3  Measures affecting production and trade  ................................ ................................ ....... 44 
3.3.1  Incentives  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  44 
3.3.2  Standards and technical requirements  ................................ ................................ ....... 44 
3.3.3  Sanitary and phytosanitary requirements  ................................ ................................ ... 46 
3.3.4  State trading, state -owned enterprises, and privatization  ................................ .............  48 
3.3.4.1   State trading activities  ................................ ................................ ..........................  48 
3.3.4.2   State -owned enterprises and privatization  ................................ ...............................  48 
3.3.5  Competition policy and price controls  ................................ ................................ .........  50 
3.3.5.1   Competition policy  ................................ ................................ ...............................  50 
3.3.5.2   Price control  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  51 
3.3.6  Government procurement  ................................ ................................ ........................  52 
3.3.7  Intellectual property rights  ................................ ................................ .......................  53 
3.3.7.1   Industrial property rights  ................................ ................................ ......................  54 
3.3.7.1.1   Patents and industrial designs  ................................ ................................ .............  54 
3.3.7.1.2   Trademarks and geographical indications  ................................ ..............................  55 
3.3.7.1.3   Layouts of printed circuits, and trade secrets  ................................ .........................  56 
3.3.7.2   Plant varieties  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 56 
3.3.7.3   Copyrights and neighbouring rights  ................................ ................................ ........  56 
4  TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  ................................ ................................ ......................  57 
4.1  Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries  ................................ ................................ ...............  57 
4.1.1  Overview  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  57 
4.1.2  Trade  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  57 
4.1.3  Policies  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  59 
4.1.3.1   Trade policies  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 60 
4.1.3.2   Price-related measures  ................................ ................................ .........................  61 
4.1.3.3   WTO notifications  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 61 
4.2  Mining and energy  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 62 
4.2.1  Mining  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  62 
4.2.1.1   Phosphate  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  64 
4.2.1.2   Potash  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  65 
4.2.2  Energy  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  65 
4.2.2.1   Renewable energy a nd energy efficiency  ................................ ................................ . 66 
4.2.2.2   Electricity ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  66 
4.2.2.3   Oil and natural gas  ................................ ................................ ...............................  68 
4.3  Services  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  69 
4.3.1  Financ ial services  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 69 
4.3.1.1   Banking  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  71 WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 4 - 
 
  4.3.1.2   Insurance  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  73 
4.3.1.3   Capital market  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 74 
4.3.2  Telecommunications  ................................ ................................ ................................  76 
4.3.3  Transport  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  78 
4.3.3.1   Air transport ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  78 
4.3.3.2   Road transport  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 80 
4.3.3.3   Rail transport  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 82 
4.3.3.4   Maritime transport  ................................ ................................ ...............................  82 
4.3.4  Tourism  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  83 
5  APPENDIX TABLES  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 86 
 
CHARTS  
 
Chart 1.1 GDP by economic activity (at basic current prices), 2022  ................................ .........  10 
Chart 1.2 Product composition of merchandise trade, 2016 and 2022a ................................ ..... 16 
Chart 1.3 Direction of merchandise trade, 2016 and 2022a ................................ .....................  17 
Chart 3.1 Simple average applied MFN and bound tariff rates, by HS section, 2023  ...................  34 
Chart 3.2 Frequenc y distribution of MFN tariff rates, 2023 ................................ ......................  35 
 
TABLES  
 
Table 1.1 Selected economic indicators, 2016 -22 ................................ ................................ .. 11 
Table 1.2 Balance of payments, 2016 -22 ................................ ................................ .............  14 
Table 1.3 FDI, 2016 -22................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 18 
Table 2.1 Main trade and investment -related legislation, 2023  ................................ ................  20 
Table 2.2 EPP 2021 -23 ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 22 
Table 2.3 Pending notifications, as of 30 June  2023 ................................ ..............................  24 
Table 2.4 RTAs in force, 2023  ................................ ................................ ............................  24 
Table 2.5 United Kingdom -Jordan Association Agreement  ................................ ......................  25 
Table 2.6 EU -Jordan relaxed rules of origin  ................................ ................................ ..........  26 
Table 2.7 FDI restrictions, 2023  ................................ ................................ .........................  28 
Table 3.1 Structure of the tariff schedules, 2015 and 2023  ................................ ....................  35 
Table 3.2 Summary analysis of Jordan MFN tariff, 2023  ................................ .........................  36 
Table 3.3 Summary analysis of preferential tariffs, 2022  ................................ ........................  37 
Table 3.4 Government revenues, by source, 2016 -22 ................................ ............................  38 
Table 3.5 Import prohibitions, 2023  ................................ ................................ ....................  40 
Table 3.6 Export licensing scheme, 2023  ................................ ................................ .............  42 
Table 3.7 Export credit insurance, by sector, 2016 -22 ................................ ...........................  44 
Table 3.8 Selected large public undertakings with significant public holdings, 2023  ....................  48 
Table 3.9 Competition enforcement statistics, 2016 -22 ................................ ..........................  50 WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 5 - 
 
  Table 3.10 Essential commodities, 2023  ................................ ................................ ..............  51 
Table 3.11 Thresholds for procurement approval, 2023  ................................ .........................  53 
Table 3.12 Contracting party to WIPO treaties, 2023  ................................ .............................  54 
Table 3.13 Patents and industrial designs applications, 2016 -22 ................................ .............  55 
Table 3.14 Trademark registration, 2016 -22 ................................ ................................ ........  55 
Table 4.1 Value of production of livestock products, 2016 -21 ................................ .................  57 
Table 4.2 Production volumes 2016 -21 ................................ ................................ ...............  57 
Table 4.3 Exports of main agricultural products, 2016 -22 ................................ ......................  58 
Table 4.4 Main export markets for Jordanian live sheep and goats, 2016 -22 .............................  58 
Table 4.5 Imports of agricultural products, 2016 -22 ................................ ..............................  59 
Table 4.6 Mining key economic indicators, 2016 -21 ................................ ..............................  62 
Table 4.7 Overview of the mineral industry: selected commodities  ................................ ..........  63 
Table 4.8 Phosphates' main indicators, 2016 -22 ................................ ................................ ... 64 
Table 4.9 Potash's main indicators, 2016 -22 ................................ ................................ ........  65 
Table 4.10 Primary energy consumption by source, 2016 -21 ................................ ..................  65 
Table 4.11 Final energy consumption, 2016 -21 ................................ ................................ .... 66 
Table 4.12 Primary energy consumption by source 2016 -21 ................................ ...................  66 
Table 4.13 Financial system structure, 2016 -22................................ ................................ .... 70 
Table 4.14 Key financial regulatory changes, 2016 -22 ................................ ...........................  71 
Table 4.15 Credit facilities by economic activity, 2016 -22 ................................ ......................  72 
Table 4.16 Insurance premiums collected, 2016 -22 ................................ ..............................  73 
Table 4.17 Selected telecoms indicators, 2016 -22 ................................ ................................  76 
Table 4.18 Air traffic by aircraft and number of passengers, 2019 -22 ................................ ...... 80 
Table 4.19 Tourism sector overview, 2016 -22 ................................ ................................ ...... 84 
 
APPENDIX TABLES  
 
Table  A1.1 Merchandise exports by HS section and main chapter, 2016 -22 ..............................  86 
Table  A1.2 Merchandise imports by HS section and main HS chapter, 2016 -22 .........................  88 
Table  A1.3 Merchandise exports and by trading partner, 2016 -22 ................................ ...........  90 
Table  A1.4 Merchandise imports by trading partner, 2016 -22 ................................ .................  91 
Table A2.1 Jordan's notifications under the WTO  Agreement s, 2016 June 2023  .........................  92 
 
  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 6 - 
 
  SUMMARY  
1. This is the third Trade Policy Revie w of Jordan. During the period under review (2016 -22), 
Jordan undertook important changes to its trade and investment regimes, including through a tariff 
reform and a new  investment framework  (see below) . Over the same period, real GDP growth 
averaged 1.6% despite having, in 2020, the country's first economic contraction in more than three 
decades largely due to the pandemic , which significantly disrupted most economic act ivities, notably 
exports and tourism.  
2. Jordan has one of the world's highest levels of workers' remittances and public grants (around 
11% of GDP). Jordan's key structural challenge is to reduce its high unemployment rate, particularly 
among young female wor kers. In this regard, the National Strategy for Women 2020 -2025 is being 
implemented. Other structural challenges that have constrained Jordan's sustainable development 
include stagnant productivity growth, labour market imbalances, and reliance on a few i ndustries. 
Moreover, regional instability has cut off important trade corridors, leading to a significant drop in 
exports and a sharp increase in energy costs from imported fuels. The economy is also particularly 
vulnerable to the risks posed by climate ch ange. To deal with this, Jordan's first Climate Change 
National Adaptation Plan was launched in 2021.  
3. During the pandemic, fiscal and monetary policy measures were introduced to support the 
economy. According to the IMF, Jordan's peg to the US dollar, back ed by adequate international 
reserves, has served as an effective anchor for macroeconomic stability. Annual inflation 
averaged  1.9% between 2016 and 2022, although it increased to 4.2% in 2022 due to rising fuel 
and food prices . Jordan has broadened the tax base and reduced tax evasion. This, together with 
measures to contain non -priority expenditures, created space for social and capital spending during 
the pandemic. Nonetheless, Jordan had persistent fiscal deficits during the review perio d. In the 
IMF's view , the authorities are making progress towards critical fiscal structural reforms, such as 
including through a major customs reform  over 2022 -2028. 
4. In October  2020, the Government's Economic Priorities Program 2021 -23 (EPP) was 
introduce d, with three  main objectives: enabling the private sector to create jobs for Jordanians; 
stimulating local and foreign investments; and increasing national exports of goods and services. 
The EPP is based on three pillars: improving the business and invest ment environment; enhancing 
competition and increasing employment; and supporting priority sectors (tourism, IT, agriculture, 
and industry).  
5. In June  2022, Jordan's Economic Modernization Vision was announced , aiming to enhance, 
over a 10 -year period, growt h, and quality of life by creating one  million new jobs; improving 
Jordan's ranking on global competitiveness, environment, prosperity, and sustainability indexes; and 
expanding into high value -added service and industrial sectors . 
6. Traditionally, Jordan ha s run current account deficits reflecting a long -standing structural 
savings -investment imbalance financed by overseas borrowing. This deficit averaged 7.4% of GDP 
between 2016 and 2022, fuelled by a large foreign trade deficit arising from imports of inte rmediate 
goods and high dependence on energy products. The capital and financial account, which 
traditionally finances the current account deficit, was also impacted by lower tourism  and remittance 
receipts during the pandemic.  
7. Because of Jordan's limited agricultural land and lack of oil resources, international trade plays 
an important role in its economy. Jordan's main goods export s are potash and potash -related 
products like fertilizers. During 2016 -22, the chemical products industry increased their share in 
total merchandise exports. Jordan's largest single export destination is the United  States , due mainly 
to exports of clothing (a quarter of total merchandise exports). The largest single import category 
continues to be fue ls, although its share decreased over the review period. About half of total 
merchandise imports come from Europe and the Middle East combined.  
8. Annual FDI inflows declined from around USD  1,800  million  in 2016 -17 to USD  768 million  
over 2018 -21, recovering somewhat to USD  1,139  million  in 2022. To promote larger FDI and reduce 
red tape/cost of doing business, the new Ministry of Investment (MOIN) was created in 2021 to 
replace the Jordan Investment Commission. Also, the new Investment Environment Law No.  21 WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 7 - 
 
  of 2022 entered into force. Nonetheless, f oreign investment is still prohibited in certain sectors, and 
some (e.g. air transport and other services) have equity restrictions of less than 50%.  
9. Jordan participates actively in the WTO, having submi tted several notifications during the 
review period. As of June 2023, Jordan had 2 0 outstanding notifications, notably in agriculture (its 
latest notification refers to 2014) and has not yet submitted any notification under the GATS. Jordan 
has never parti cipated in dispute settlement proceedings at the WTO. Jordan is a signatory to the 
ITA and an observer to the GPA.  
10. Jordan has 7 regional trade agreements (RTAs) in force with 52 economies. During the review 
period , Jordan signed a new RTA with the United  Kingdom and terminated its FTA with Türkiye.  
11. In January  2022, the Cabinet approved a major customs reform over the period 2022 -28. 
According to the IMF, the reform is expected to reduce tax evasion and corruption, but also to lower 
customs revenue by 0.3% o f GDP in the near  term due to a lower average tariff. The simple average 
applied MFN tariff decreased from 10.2% in 2015 to 4% in 2023. The average rate for WTO -defined 
agricultural products in 2022 was 8.8% (down from 16.8% in 2015), and 3.3% for non -agricultural 
goods (WTO definition) (against 9.1% in 2015). All tariff lines are bound, with a simple average 
bound tariff rate of 16.3% overall; 24.1% for agricultural products (WTO definition); and 15.2% for 
non-agricultural products  (WTO definition) . 
12. Jordan  ratified the TFA in 2017 and amended its Customs Law in 2018 according to the TFA 
provisions. Almost a ll TFA provisions have been implemented. As provided for in the Amendments, 
Jordan abolished the consularization requirements for import invoices; the Am endments also allow 
for pre-arrival processing for customs procedures. Jordan began implementing the single window for 
customs procedures and advance ruling on classification and origin.  
13. During the review period, Jordan reformed its tax and incentive syste m, with the aim of 
reducing the tax burden and stimulating the economy; the income tax incentives related to 
merchandise export performance were terminated on 31  December  2018. Taxes on international 
trade collected at the border from imports accounted for  around 25% of total tax revenues each 
year on average. With these changes, tax incentives are now offered not only to firms operating in 
free zones and development zones, but also to firms across Jordan . Non -tax incentives 
(e.g. discounts on public land r ent, energy, and water) are available for firms employing at least  50% 
of women in their work force.  
14. The Jordan Petroleum Refinery Co. Ltd (JPRCL) and the Jordan Phosphate Mines Co. Ltd (JPMC) 
are state trading enterprises. The JPRCL has exclusive rights t o import crude  oil and hydrocarbon 
products for local use, while the JPMC has exclusive rights to import, store , and sell explosive 
materials used for mining and quarrying purposes. The JPMC also has exclusive mining rights over 
phosphates for four mines i n Jordan. In addition, exports of raw hides and manufactured leather are 
restricted to the Jordan Tanning Company; Portland cement to the Jordan Cement Factories 
Company; and mineral extracts (e.g. stone, sand, gypsum, and clay derivatives) to the N atural  
Resources Authority.  
15. Jordan modernized its government procurement framework with the entry into force of 
Government Procurement Regulation No.  8 of 2022. It established a unified public procurement 
system, and enhanced transparency and accountability of t he procurement regime. Rules set out in 
the Regulation are applicable to all government entities, as well as public institutions including SOEs.  
16. Jordan has recently improved its patent protection regime to align its international obligations 
and to encoura ge invention. Patents are protected for 20 years and industrial designs for 15 years. 
There are no specific provisions on utility models. Trademarks, including well -known marks , are 
protected for renewable periods of 10 years. Geographic indications are pr otected under the principle 
of collective marks. Most patent and trademark registrations are filed by applicants outside Jordan.  
17. Agriculture and related activities contributed 5.3% to Jordan's GDP in 2022. The National 
Agricultural Development Strategy 202 0-2025 aims at increasing agricultural GDP by around 40% 
over the period. The sector faces many constraints relating to the small size of farms, the dry climate, 
and the lack of irrigation water.  The goals of the National Water Strategy 2023 -2040 are to pr ovide 
irrigation water and reduce  the use of freshwater as irrigation water. Import licences are required WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 8 - 
 
  for a number of agricultural goods and foodstuffs. Some goods, particularly food from cereals, are 
subject to price controls and are subsidized by the  Government , which also applies measures to 
support domestic producers of wheat and barley.  
18. Mining and quarrying  accounted for 3.1% of Jordan's GDP in 2022. During the review period, 
there was a large increase in total revenues of both extractive industrie s (notably phosphate and 
potash) and manufacturing mining industries (e.g. cement), and in the share of mining exports to 
total exports. This has been partly the result of the G overnment's exploration program mes for 
mineral ores , focusing on the added valu e of national strategic minerals.  A new natural resource law 
was enacted in 2018 to regulate mining activities, aiming at natural resources development and 
their sustainable exploitation.  
19. Jordan imports 84% of its total energy needs, mostly crude oil and g as. The Master Strategy 
for the Energy Sector 2020 -2030 calls for a sustainable future energy supply, diversification of the 
national energy mix, increased dependency on the share of domestic energy resources, enhanced 
energy security, and reduced energy d ependence and cost of electricity supply. The State is 
extensively involved in the electricity sector through full or partial ownership of several generating 
plants, and full ownership of the National Electric Power Company  (NEPCO) , which owns and 
operates  the transmission network. A  new electricity tariff system was implemented , reducing 
cross-subsidization. It is designed to be revenue neutral for NEPCO, and to reduce electricity tariffs 
for key business sectors and reform the household tariff system in a  progressive manner.  
20. The services sector remains th e main contributor to GDP, with a share of about two  thirds.  In 
the IMF 's view , the banking subsector has remained  healthy despite the pandemic. The Central Bank 
of Jordan (CBJ) has strengthened its prudential supervision of the financial sector. In June  2021, the 
supervisory responsibilities of the insurance sector were transferred to the CBJ. The telecom and 
transpo rt sectors' share s of GDP in 2022 were 3.5% and 5.3%, respectively. As Jordan is home to 
many religious and cultural sites, tourism contributes 12.2% to GDP and employs about 3.0% of the 
total workforce. Under its Tourism Strategy 2021 -2025, Jordan aims  to lessen the impact of the 
pandemic and doubl e the number of tourists and revenues by 2025.  
  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 9 - 
 
  1  ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT  
1.1  Main features of the economy  
1.1.  Jordan is a lower middle -income country, with a population of about 11  million and a GDP per 
capita estimated at USD 4,666 for 2022 (USD  4,181 in 2016).1 Youth  (12-30 years) represents 36% 
of the total population, more than half of which is unemployed, with a higher percentage among 
young female workers.2 Some 15.7% of Jordanians live below the poverty line.3 Jordan has 
approximately  1.3 million Syrian refugees (representing almost 13% of the total population).4 
Jordan rank ed 102nd of 191  countries on the basis of the latest UNDP Human Develop ment Index.5 
1.2.  Jordan has one of the world's highest levels of workers' remittances and public grants: together 
they amount to 11.2% of GDP in  2022.6 The economy also benefits from a well -developed 
infrastructure and a strategic geographic location. According to the OEC D, Jordan's key structural 
challenge is to reduce its high unemployment rate, particularly among youth.7 In addition, Jordan 
also faces other structural challenges that have constrained its sustainable development, notably 
stagnant productivity growth, la bour market imbalances, and reliance on a few industries. Moreover, 
regional instability has cut  off important trade corridors, leading to a significant drop in exports and 
a sharp increase in energy costs from imported fuels.8 
1.3.  The structure of the economy has not changed significantly over the past few years.  The 
services sector continues to be the main contributor to GDP , led by finance, insurance, real estate, 
and business services  (Chart  1.1). Next comes manufacturing, agriculture and related act ivities, 
construction, and mining and quarrying.  Jordan's main natural resources are copper, industrial 
minerals, oil shale, potash, phosphate, and uranium. It has limited agricultural land9, and almost no 
oil resources.  
 
1 IMF, GDP Per Capita, Current Prices. Viewed  at: 
https://www.imf.org/external/datamapper/NGDPDPC@WEO/FRA/GBR/DEU/JOR . 
2 Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (2021), Government 's Economic Priorities Program 
2021-2023, p. 2. Viewed  at: https://mop.gov.jo/EBV4.0/Root_Storage/EN/EB_HomePage/final_english_13 -
9.pdf. 
3 This figure is based , according to the authorities,  on the 2017 -18 Household Income and Expenditure 
Survey (HIES). World Bank  (2023) , Poverty  and Equity Brief: Jordan . Viewed  at: 
https://databankfiles.worldbank.org/public/ddpext_download/poverty/987B 9C90-CB9F-4D93 -AE8C -
750588BF00QA/current/Global_POVEQ_JOR.pdf . 
4 According to a World Bank profile, " Jordan continues to play a role as an anchor for regional stability 
and for the global public goods it provides by host ing refugees and promoting cross -border regional 
cooperation and trade ". World Bank, The World Bank in Jordan: Overview . Viewed  at: 
https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/jordan/overview . 
5 According to a UNDP profile, "[b ]etween  1990 and 2021,  Jordan's  life expectancy at birth changed 
by 4.4 years, mean years of schooling changed by  5.4 years and expected years of schooling changed 
by -0.6 years.  Jordan's  GNI per capita changed by about  31.1 percent  between  1990 and 2021". UNDP, Human 
Development Index: Jordan . Viewed  at: https://hdr.undp.org/data -center/specific -country -
data#/countries/JOR . 
6 Data provided by the authorities.  
7 OECD (2022), FDI Qualitie s Review of Jordan: Strengthening Sustainable Investment , p. 11. 
Viewed  at: https://www.oecd -ilibrary.org/finance -and-investment/fdi -qualities -review-of-jordan_736c77d2 -en. 
8 OECD (2022), FDI Qualities Review of Jordan: Strengthening Sustainable Investment , p. 11. 
9 Jordan's total land area is 89,342 km2, of which 12% is agricultural land,  2.7% is arable land, 9.9 % is 
rain-fed, and 1.1% are forests. About 75% of Jordan has a desert climate and receives less than 200  mm of 
rain annually. Trading Economics, Jordan Agricultural Land (% of land area) . Viewed  at: 
https://tradingeconomics.com/jordan/agricultural -land-percent -of-land-area-wb-data.html . According to the 
authorities, Jordan has 89,000  million  square meters of land for rain -fed agriculture; 2 .47 billion  square meters 
for residential use; and 1 .049 billion square meters of forest land.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 10 - 
 
  Chart 1.1 GDP by economic activity (at basic current prices), 2022  
 
Source:  Department of Statistics.  
1.4.  Climate change poses sustainability risks to Jordan since it is one of the world's most 
water -scarce country, with climate change significa ntly reducing its water supply in recent years.10 
At the same time, climate change is pressuring supply, with scarcer precipitation limiting the 
replenishment of aquifers , and demand, with rising temperatures accelerating evaporation and 
increasing water needs in agriculture.11 With the aim of addressing  the impacts of climate change, 
Jordan ratified the Paris Agreement  in November  2016, enhancing  its commitment by raising its 
conditional greenhouse gas emissions reduction target from 14% to 31% by 2030.12 Moreover, 
Jordan's first Climate Change National Adaptation Plan was launched in 2021, while the National 
Water Strategy 2016 -26 aims at solving Jordan's water shortage .13 
1.2  Recent economic developments  
1.5.  At the time of the previous Review, Jordan's real GDP growth had averaged over 3.5% annually 
between 200 8 and 2015 despite facing adversity  and a drain on its resources arising from regional 
crises, an influx of refugees from Syria and Iraq, the global financial crisis, disruption of the natural 
gas supply from Egypt, and strikes in potash and phosphate prod ucing plants. In May 2015, Jordan 
launched its Vision 2025, a 10 -year economic programme aimed revitalizing the economy by 
targeting poverty, unemployment , and the fiscal deficit, and boosting GDP growth. The strategy 
focuses on improving infrastructure, e nhancing education and health services, and strengthening 
the role of the private sector and civil society institutions to achieve its objectives.14 
1.6.  Jordan's real GDP growth averaged 2.1% during 2016 -19 and decreased by 1.6% in 2020 (its 
first economic con traction in more than three decades), mostly due to the COVID -19 pandemic.15 
All economic sectors shrank with the exception of agriculture, mining and quarrying, finance and 
insurance services, real estate, and government services. In 2020, t he external se ctor was one of 
the most affected, with a 75.7% decline in travel receipts and a reduction in total exports of 4.5%.16 
 
10 Since the 1980s, annual temperatures increased by 1.4ºC and annual precipitation declined 
about  13%. The level of per capita renewable water resources in Jordan is currently at 96 cubic meters per 
year, well below the internationally recognized water scarcity level of 500 cubic meters per capita per year. 
IMF (2022), Jordan: Staff Report for the 2022 Article  IV Consultation , IMF Country Report No. 22/221, p. 79.  
11 IMF Country Report No. 22/221, p. 79.  
12 UNDP, Climate Promise: Jordan . Viewed  at: https://climatepromise.undp.org/what -we-do/where -we-
work/jordan . 
13 Ministry of Environment, The National Climate Change Adaptation Plan of Jordan 2021 . Viewed  at: 
http://www.moenv.gov.jo/ebv4.0/root_storage/ar/eb_list_page/final_draft_nap -2021.pdf . 
14 WTO document WT/TPR/S/325/Rev.1, 5  February  2016.  
15 Central Bank of Jordan ( CBJ) (2021), Annual Report 2020 . Viewed  at: 
https://www.cbj.gov.jo/EchoBusV3.0/SystemAssets/3aa1e873 -1f1a-4979-8583-ef68fd6249a5.pdf . 
16 CBJ (2021), Annual Report 2020 . Viewed  at: 
https://www.cbj.gov.jo/EchoBusV3.0/SystemAssets/3aa 1e873 -1f1a-4979-8583-ef68fd6249a5.pdf . 
Agriculture, hunting, 
forestry and fishing
5.3%Mining and quarrying
3.1%Manufacturing
19.9%Construction
3.2%Other
1.8%
Finance, 
insurance, 
real estate 
& business 
services
18.6%Producers of 
government 
services
15.6%
Wholesale & retail 
trade, restaurants 
& hotels
10.6%
Community, social 
& personal services
9.9%
Transport, storage 
& communications
8.9%Domestic 
services of 
households
2.1%Producers of 
private non -profit 
services to 
households
0.9%Chart 1.1   GDP by economic activity (at basic current prices), 2022
Source:  Department of Statistics of Jordan.Services
66.7%WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 11 - 
 
  Moreover, t he unemployment rate peaked at 25% in Q1 2021.17 The Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) 
took a series of proactive measures with a t otal value of JOD  2.5 billion (8.0% of GDP).18 
1.7.  In 2021, real GDP growth rate was 2.2% , driven by supportive fiscal and monetary policies. 
Indeed, the CBJ raised its aid to JOD  2.7 billion (8.6% of GDP).19 In addition, the gradual reopening 
of all economic sectors resulted in an increase of 95.8% in travel receipts, 17.8% in total exports, 
and 1.0% in remittances.20 In 2022, the Jordanian economy is estimated to have grown by 2.5%  
(Table  1.1), led by an expansion of almost all economic activities. For 2023, the IMF estimates GDP 
growth at 2.7%.21 Also a ccording to the IMF, unlocking Jordan's growth potential will require 
promoting high -return investments, strengthening export competitiveness, and enhancing 
productivity.22 
Table 1.1 Selected economic indicators, 2016 -22 
 
2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  2022  
GDP, unemployment, and inflation  
Nominal GDP (at market prices, 
JOD million)  28,324  29,542  30,793  31,946  31,369  32,478  33,691  
Nominal GDP (at market prices, 
USD million)  39,893  41,608  43,371  44,994  44,182  45,744  47,451  
GDP growth rate (%)  2.0 2.5 1.9 1.9 -1.6 2.2 2.5 
GDP per capita (at market prices, USD)  4,071  4,139  4,207  4,263  4,089  4,137  4,199  
Unemployment (%)  15.3 18.3 18.6 19.1 23.2 24.1 22.8 
Inflation (CPI, % change)  -0.8 3.3 4.5 0.8 0.3 1.3 4.2 
GDP by type of expenditure at current prices (% of GDP)  
Government final consumption expenditure  17.3 16.9 16.7 16.4 .. .. .. 
Private final consumption expenditure  79.3 79.0 76.6 74.7 .. .. .. 
Gross fixed capital formationa 23.4 24.7 24.4 21.4 .. .. .. 
Exports of goods and services  34.4 34.7 35.1 36.7 .. .. .. 
Imports of goods and services  54.3 55.4 52.8 49.2 .. .. .. 
Public finance (% of GDP)  
Public revenues  25.0 25.1 25.5 13.9 22.4 25.0 26.5 
Domestic revenues  22.0 22.7 22.6 21.8 19.9 22.6 24.1 
Tax revenues  15.0 14.7 14.7 14.7 15.8 17.3 .. 
Other revenues  6.9 8.0 7.8 7.1 4.1 5.2 .. 
Foreign grants  3.0 2.4 2.9 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.4 
Total expenditures  28.1 27.7 27.8 27.6 29.4 30.4 31.1 
Overall deficit/surplus including grants  -3.1 -2.5 -2.4 -3.3 -7.0 -5.3 -4.6 
Overall deficit/surplus excluding grants  -6.1 -4.9 -5.3 -5.8 -9.5 -7.8 -7.0 
Government domestic debt  55.8 52.1 52.7 55.5 60.4 62.4 .. 
External sector  
Nominal exchange rate (JOD  per USD)  0.71 0.71 0.71 0.71 0.71 0.71 0.71 
Real effective exchange rate (end of 
period, 2010=100)  .. .. .. 116.5  108.5  .. .. 
% change (end of period, + = appreciation)  .. .. .. -1.5 -6.9 .. .. 
Current account (% of GDP)  -9.7 -10.6 -6.9 -1.7 -5.7 -8.2 -8.8 
Merchandise exports (% change)  -3.6 -0.5 3.2 7.3 -4.5 17.8 32.5 
Merchandise imports (% change)  -5.7 6.2 -0.8 -5.5 -10.1 25.0 26.9 
Service exports (% change)  -4.0 12.5 8.2 7.0 -68.1 80.2 76.7 
Service imports (% change)  2.8 1.9 0.7 1.0 -37.0 34.2 36.7 
External debt (USD  million)  14,506  16,714  17,025  17,378  19,857  21,841  23,818  
as a share of GDP  (%) 36.4 40.2 39.3 38.6 44.9 47.7 50.2 
Total reserves (including gold, USD  million)  15,543  15,581  14,576  15,401  16,960  19,045  18,190  
In months of imports  8.1 8.2 8.0 10.0 8.7 8.0 7.9 
.. Not available.  
a Includes the value of the change in livestock numbers.  
Source:  Department of Statistics; CBJ; and IMF, International Financial Statistics.  
 
17 Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (2021), Government's Economic Priorities Program 
2021-2023, p. 2. Viewed  at: https://mop.gov.jo/EBV4.0/Root_Storage/EN/EB_HomePage/final_english_13 -
9.pdf. 
18 CBJ (2021), Annual Report 2020 . Viewed  at: 
https://www.cbj.gov.jo/EchoBusV3.0/SystemAssets/07616a0e -b918-4e42-8ffa-3317fbac78bb.pdf . 
19 The CBJ also allowed banks to defer loan instalments for the affected sectors until the end of 2021. 
CBJ (2022), Annual Report 2021 . Viewed  at: https:// www.cbj.gov.jo/EchoBusV3.0/SystemAssets/07616a0e -
b918-4e42-8ffa-3317fbac78bb.pdf . 
20 CBJ (2022), Annual Report 2021 .  
21 IMF (2023), World Economic Outlook Database , April.  
22 IMF Country Report No. 22/221, p. 14.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 12 - 
 
  1.8.  The unemployment rate remains high at 22. 8% (Table  1.1), with youth unemployment still 
over 50% , reflecting, according to the World Bank, "the limited capacity of the private sector to 
generate  … jobs with the economy being dominated by small, low -productivity firms ".23 Jordan's 
National Strategy for Youth 2019 -25 aims at "promot [ing] youth work and the development of young 
people in an educational, skilful and valuable way, enabling them to innovate, create, produce and 
participate in political life and public affairs".24 
1.9.  In October  2020, the Government's Economic Priorities Program 2021 -2023 (EPP) w as 
launched (Section  2.2. and Table  2.2), with three  main objectives: enabling the private sector to 
create jobs for Jordanians; stimulating local and foreign investments; and increasing national 
exports of goods and services. It is based on three pillars:  improving the business and investment 
environment; enhancing competition and increasing employment; and supporting priority sectors 
(tourism, IT, agriculture, and industry). Capital expenditure for the EPP stands at JOD  480 million, 
of which JOD  280 million is financed from the general budget and JOD  200 million from foreign 
assistance.25 
1.10.  In June  2022, Jordan's Economic Modernization Vision was announced , aiming to enhance, 
over a 10 -year period, growth and quality of life by creating 1 million new jobs; improve  Jordan's 
ranking on global competitiveness, environment, prosperity, and sustainability indexes; and expand 
into high value -added service s and industrial sectors (Section  2.2). The authorities estimate the 
investment needed to realize the Vision is JOD  40 billion, 70% of which is expected to come from 
the private sector, and 30% from the public sector, with donor support.26 
1.2.1   Monetary and exchange rate policies  
1.11.  The Jordanian dinar  (JOD), the national currency, is fully convertible and has been linked to 
the US dollar at a fixed exchange rate (JOD  = USD  1.41) since 23  October  1995. The objectives of 
the CBJ are to maintain monetary stability to ensure the convertibility of the JOD, and to help 
promote sustained economic growth.27 Jordan accepted the obligations of Article  VIII of the 
IMF Agreement on 20  February  1995. There are no restrictions on capital receipts or payments by 
residents or non -residents.28 
1.12.  According to the IMF, Jord an's peg to the US dollar, backed by adequate international reserves 
(USD 17.3 billion in 2022 ), has served as an effective anchor for macroeconomic stability including 
through the pandemic.29 Also, the CBJ has strengthened its prudential supervision of th e financial 
sector, the banking sector has remained healthy and, in June  2021, the supervisory responsibilities 
of the insurance sector were transferred to the CBJ , which is to develop a risk -based solvency regime 
in line with international best practices (Section  4.3.1).  
1.13.  The inflation rate, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), averaged 1.9% between 
2016 and 2022, although it increased to 4.2% in 2022 (Table  1.1). According to the IMF, the 
authorities have limited the impact on consumers of rising  fuel and food prices resulting from 
geopolitical developments.  Jordan's strategic wheat reserves, at 12 months, have so far avoided the 
need to import wheat at elevated prices. Moreover, Jordan's long -term stable -price import contracts 
for gas used in ele ctricity generation have also helped to contain inflation, and the authorities 
 
23 World Ba nk (2022), " Jordan: Despite Global Headwinds, Economic Recovery Is Projected to Remain 
Steady in 2022 ", 18 July. Viewed  at: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press -release/2022/07/18/jordan -
despite -global -headwinds -economic -recovery -is-projected -to-remain -steady -in-2022. 
24 Ministry of Youth in Jordan (2019), National Youth Strategy 2019 -2025, as cited in OECD (2021), 
OECD Public Governance Reviews: Empowering Youth and Building Trust In Jordan , p. 31. Viewed  at: 
https://www.oecd -ilibrary.org/docserver/8b14d38f -
en.pdf?expires=1671023444&id=id&accname=ocid195767&ch ecksum=42E5C260E9685EEFCF5A923A69F668D
6. 
25 Other priorities are linked to launching mega projects and public -private partnership (PPP) 
investments estimated at JOD  3.8 billion offered to the private sector as investment opportunities. Ministry of 
Planning and International Cooperation (2021), Government's Economic Priorities Program 2021 -2023, pp. 4 -5. 
Viewed  at: https://mop.gov.jo/ EBV4.0/Root_Storage/EN/EB_HomePage/final_english_13 -9.pdf. 
26 IMF Country Report No. 22/221, p. 20.  
27 Article  4 of the CBJ Law (No.  23/1971). The CBJ started operations on 1  October  1964. It replaced 
the Jordan Currency B oard established in 1950. The CBJ is an independent and autonomous body, although its 
capital is totally owned by the Government (CBJ. Viewed  at: http://www.cbj.gov.jo ). 
28 IMF Country Report No. 22/221.  
29 IMF Country Report No. 22/221, p. 13.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 13 - 
 
  re-introduced blanket fuel subsidies in February  2022, reversing a decade -old reform, to mitigate 
passthrough to households.30 For 2023, the IMF estimates an average inflation rate of 3.0%.31 
1.14.  As indicated  above , during the pandemic the CBJ protected employment and production of 
small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and other businesses through two subsidized lending 
programmes. In March  2021, the CBJ increased its SME sc heme help from JOD  500 million to 
JOD 700 million, raised the borrowing limits for sectors hard -hit by the pandemic , notably tourism 
and trade, and extended the scheme until April 2023. In March  2022, the CBJ also raised borrowing 
limits for firms that imp ort basic commodities (e.g. wheat, sugar, and oil). According to the 
authorities, as the recovery firms up through 2023, and demand for the SME scheme declines, the 
CBJ will unwind the scheme.32 
1.2.2   Fiscal policy  
1.15.  During the review period, Jordan increased dome stic revenues and grants by, inter alia, 
broadening the tax base and reducing tax evasion. This, together with measures to contain 
non-priority expenditures, has created space for increased social spending and a strong rebound in 
capital spending during th e pandemic. However, Jordan has been running persistent fiscal deficits 
averaging 4.0% of GDP (including grants) during 2016 -22 (Table  1.1). In 2022, the fiscal deficit 
(including grants) as share of GDP increased to 4.6%  (above  the 3.7% target), in light of the 
challenges created by temporary subsidies to smooth the passthrough of global commodity prices.33 
1.16.  Government debt as a proportion of GDP increased over the last few years (Table  1.1). 
Nonetheless, according to the IMF, Jordan's public debt is sustai nable and is expected to be reduced 
to 79.3% of GDP by 2027  (initially projected by 2025). The structure of its foreign and domestic 
debt, about half of the total each, is also considered by the IMF as favourable.34 
1.17.  In view of the IMF, the authorities are making progress towards critical fiscal structural 
reforms. In January  2022, the Cabinet approved a major customs reform (Section  3.1.3) . According 
to the IMF, the reform is expected to reduce tax evasion and corruption, but also to lower customs 
revenue ( by 0.3% of GDP) in the near -term due to a lower average tariff.  Efforts to integrate digital 
and administrative systems to facilitate bringing the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority 
(ASEZA) under the single tax and customs administrations are under way.  Moreover, draft 
amendments to adopt General Sales Tax (GST) place -of-taxation rules were tabled for discussion 
in 2022. The GST applies to value added by a business with refunds of GST paid on inputs 
(Section  3.1.4.2).35 
1.2.3   Balance of payments  
1.18.  Traditionally, Jordan has run a current account deficit, averaging 7.4% of GDP between 2016 
and 2022, ranging from 10.6% in 2017 to 1.7% in 2019 (Table  1.1). These deficits reflect a 
long-standing structural savings -investment imbalance financed by oversea s borrowing. This was 
also the case during the review period, fuelled by a large foreign trade deficit arising from imports 
of intermediate goods and high dependence on energy products. The capital and financial account, 
which traditionally finances the cu rrent account deficit, was also hit by lower tourism and remittance 
receipts during the pandemic (Table  1.2). According to the IMF, Jordan's external position is broadly 
in line with the level implied by fundamentals and policies. Adequate levels of gross official reserves 
function as an important support for the exchange rate peg.36 
 
30 IMF Country Report No. 22/221, p. 5.  
31 IMF (2022), World Economic Outlook Database , October.  
32 IMF Country Report No. 22/221, Statement by the Executive Director of Jordan , pp. 3 -4, 
29 June 2022.  
33 IMF Country Report No. 22/221, Statement by the Executive Director of Jordan , p. 2, 29  June 2022.  
34 IMF Country Report No. 22/221, pp. 7 and 46 -47. 
35 IMF Country Report No. 22/221, pp. 9 -10. 
36 IMF Country Report No. 22/221, p. 59.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 14 - 
 
  Table 1.2 Balance of payments, 2016 -22 
(USD  million)  
 2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  2022  
Current account  -3,857  -4,399  -2,967  -774 -2,509  -3,743  -4,153  
Goods balance  -9,601  -10,710  -10,317  -8,747  -7,396  -9,823  -11,918  
Exports (FOB)  7,559  7,522  7,761  8,329  7,954  9,371  12,398  
Imports (FOB)  17,161  18,232  18,078  17,076  15,351  19,194  24,316  
Services (balance)  1,297  1,962  2,483  2,946  -595 353 2,297  
Credit  6,044  6,798  7,353  7,864  2,505  4,514  7,975  
Debit  4,747  4,836  4,870  4,918  3,099  4,160  5,678  
Transport (net)  -1,299  -1,321  -1,293  -1,249  -1,424  -1,455  -1,690  
Credit  1,249  1,257  1,336  1,343  488 955 1,532  
Passenger  900 911 974 980 336 669 1,107  
Freight  50 42 38 37 40 63 56 
Debit  2,548  2,578  2,629  2,592  1,913  2,410  3,222  
Passenger  109 110 106 108 27 63 97 
Freight  1,735  1,844  1,828  1,727  1,552  1,941  2,459  
Travel (net)  2,790  3,257  3,867  4,331  1,029  1,843  4,348  
Credit  4,049  4,645  5,256  5,794  1,411  2,762  5,816  
Debit  1,260  1,388  1,389  1,463  382 919 1,468  
Construction (net)  47 53 31 38 19 55 45 
Insurance and pension services 
(net) -548 -501 -405 -465 -395 -526 -620 
Financial services (net)  27 5 41 42 -7 81 77 
Charges for the use of intellectual 
property (net)  -2 13 -2 -18 -18 -3 -19 
Telecommunications, computer, 
and information services (net)  -21 -20 -42 -30 -24 -9 -35 
Other business services (net)  191 154 112 105 127 144 72 
Personal, cultural, and 
recreational services (net)  24 34 45 82 75 146 112 
Government goods and services 
(net) 89 288 129 110 21 79 7 
Primary income  -306 -207 -200 7 -125 -246 -506 
Credit  762 869 1,039  1,272  915 757 1,075  
Debit  1,068  1,076 1,239  1,265  1,039  1,003  1,582  
Secondary income  4,753  4,556  5,067  5,020  5,606  5,973  5,974  
Credit  5,424  5,270  5,737  5,620  6,016  6,535  6,532  
Debit  671 714 670 600 409 562 557 
Capital account  75 42 34 25 24 16 54 
Credit  75 42 34 25 24 16 54 
Debit  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Capital transfers  75 42 34 25 24 16 54 
Financial account  -3,439  -3,331  -3,966  -1,074  -2,650  -1,876  -2,785  
Direct investment  -1,552  -2,026  -964 -687 -735 -607 -1,154  
Portfolio investment  -1,193  -955 183 1,068  -425 233 687 
Financial derivatives  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Other investment  410 -220 -2,231  -2,027  -2,600  -3,889  -1,575  
Reserve assets  -1,105  -130 -954 571 1,110  2,387  -744 
Net errors and omissions  343 1,026  -1,033  -325 -165 1,851  1,314  
Source:  CBJ. 
1.3  Trade and investment performance  
1.3.1   Trade in goods  
1.19.  International trade plays a key role in Jordan's economy. Nonetheless, trade (exports and 
imports) of goods and services, as percentage of GDP, has been decreasing since 2007 when it 
reached 146%. In 2021, this share was 81%, up from 65% in 2020, but still below the 2019 
level (85%).37 According to the World Bank, t he small size of Jordan 's economy and limited 
participation in global value chains (GVCs) reduce the ability of local firms to exploit economies of 
scale and to export.38 
 
37 Jordan' s peak in terms of the share of trade to GDP was 149.0% achieved in 1990. World Bank, Trade 
(% of GDP) – Jordan . Viewed  at: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS?l ocations=JO . 
38 World Bank, The World Bank in Jordan: Overview . Viewed  at: 
https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/jordan/overview . WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 15 - 
 
  1.20.  In 2021, Jordan ranked 73rd among world merchandise exporters and 54th among importers 
(considering the member States  of the European  Union together and excluding intra -EU trade).39 
1.21.  During the review period 2016 -21, the share of chemical products, Jordan's most important 
export category, significantly increased its share in total merchandise exports (Chart  1.2 and 
Table  A1.1). Textiles and mineral products also increased their participation, while that of machinery 
and electrical equipment , and vegetable products decreased. The contribution of prepared 
foodstuffs, beverages, and tobacco to total merchandise exports did not change.  
1.22.  Jordan's largest single export destination is increasingly the United  States due mainly to 
increased exports of  clothing, representing almost one quarter of Jordan's total merchandise exports 
in 2021 (Chart  1.3 and Table  A1.3). The participation of the Middle East (e.g. the Kingdom of 
Saudi  Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) and the EU -27 as destination s for Jordan's total 
merchandise exports declined over the period, while that of Asia, notably India, and Africa increased.  
1.23.  As in most countries, the structure of Jordan's imports is less concentrated than exports. The 
largest single import category continues to be mineral products, mostly fuels, although its share 
decreased over the review period (Chart  1.2 and Table  A1.2). The participation of manufactures in 
total merchandise imports has fallen mainly due to a decrease in the share of machinery and 
transport equip ment, and vehicles and transport equipment. The share of vegetable products and of 
prepared foodstuffs, beverages , and tobacco in total imports has remained relatively stable.  
1.24.  In 2021, about half of Jordan's total merchandise imports came from Europe and t he 
Middle  East combined (Chart  1.3 and Table  A1.4). The shares of the EU -27 and the United  States 
declined during the review period, while that of China and the Gulf Cooperation Council ( GCC) 
members  increased. The latter increase was mainly due to increas ed imports of petroleum products.  
 
39 WTO Statistics database, Trade Profiles: Jordan . Viewed  at: 
https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/statis_e/daily_update_e/trade_profiles/JO_e.pdf . WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 16 - 
 
  Chart 1.2 Product composition of merchandise trade, 2016 and 2022a 
 
a Provisional data.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities.  
Chart 1.2
Merchandise trade by main HS sections, 2016 and 2022a
2016 2022
Exports
Total: USD 7,549 million
Imports
Total: USD 19,324 million Total: USD 27,290 million
Source:   WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities.Total: USD 12,380 millionOther
19.8%
Textiles
19.8%Other
10.5%
Chemical 
products
8.1%
Base 
metals
6.0%Machinery & 
electrical equipment
5.0%
Base 
metals
6.6%Mineral 
products
14.7%
Machinery & 
electrical equipment
13.6%Other
20.1%
Chemical 
products
8.9%Machinery & 
electrical equipment
9.8%Other
22.3%
Textiles
6.8%Mineral 
products
15.4%
Textiles
6.6%Mineral 
products
7.0%Mineral products
10.5%
Machinery 
& electrical 
equipment
7.9%
Chemical 
products
38.6%Base metals
5.2%
Chemical 
products
25.6%Textiles
18.5%Prep. 
foodstuffs; 
beverages; 
tobacco
5.0%
Base metals
3.9%
Vehicles & 
transport 
equipment
11.1%Vehicles & 
transport 
equipment
6.7%Vegetable 
products
8.3%Vegetable 
products
4.3%
Precious metals
2.6%
Precious 
metals
2.8%
Vegetable 
products
8.6%Vegetable 
products
8.8%Prep. 
foodstuffs; 
beverages; 
tobacco
5.0%
Precious 
metals
3.1%Precious 
metals
8.8%Prep. 
foodstuffs; 
beverages; 
tobacco
7.0%Prep. 
foodstuffs; 
beverages; 
tobacco
6.9%
a   Provisional data.WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 17 - 
 
  Chart 1.3 Direction of merchandise trade, 2016 and 2022a 
 
a Provisional data.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations , based on data provided by the authorities.  
1.3.2   Trade in services  
1.25.  Balance -of-paymen ts data indicate that Jordan is a net exporter of services (Table  1.2), an 
important source of foreign exchange. During 2016 -21, Jordan's surplus in trade in services 
averaged USD  1,408  million per year. Nonetheless, the services balance became negative in 2020 
as a result of the pandemic , where restrictions on international travel significantly impaired the 
ability to trade. Despite the pandemic, travel (tourism) remains the most important services 
category, contributing  61.1% of total services exports in 2021, followed by transport with 21.2% . 
Imports of services are led by transport, accounting for 57.9% of total services imports in  2021. 
Chart 1.3
Merchandise trade by main origin and destination, 2016 and 2022a
2016 2022
Exports
Total: USD 7,549 million
Imports
Total: USD 19,324 million Total: USD 27,290 million
Source:   WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities.Total: USD 12,380 millionSaudi Arabia
13.2%Others
0.1%
United States
20.6%
EU-27
5.1%Other Americas
1.0%
Egypt
1.3%
United 
States
6.9%Americas
23.1%United States
20.0%
Other 
Americas
3.1%
China
2.2%Others
0.1%
Other Asia
6.2%
Americas
21.6%Other Asia
2.5%
Argentina
1.5%
Other Americas
3.3% Japan
3.3%
EU-27
22.6% China
13.9%Other 
Asia
10.4%Others
1.9%United 
States
5.5%Argentina
1.7%
Other Americas
2.8%
EU-27
15.5%Japan
1.3%
China
15.3%Other 
Asia
9.7%Others
1.4%
Americas
11.8%Americas
10.0%
Other Europe
4.1%Other Europe
5.0%Asia
30.1%Asia
31.3%India
5.1%Other Europe
2.2%India
14.6%EU-27
5.1%
Saudi Arabia
9.9%
United 
Arab 
Emirates
4.5%Iraq
6.6%Iraq
7.5%
Saudi Arabia
14.9%China
1.7%
Other Europe
1.6%Europe
7.3%Asia
12.6%
Europe
6.8%Asia
25.7%
Europe
23.9%Europe
30.1%United 
Arab 
Emirates
5.3%United 
Arab 
Emirates
2.7%
Türkiye
3.4%Türkiye
3.3%Middle East
30.3%Middle East
41.7%Africa
6.0%Africa
5.4%Free 
zones
11.3%
State of 
Kuwait
4.4%
Palestine
2.3%Other Middle 
East
9.9%Other Africa
4.0%India
6.5%Indonesia
1.9%Free 
zones
8.0%
State of 
Kuwait
1.4%
United 
Arab 
Emirates
7.8%Other 
Middle 
East
6.5%Egypt
2.3%Other Africa
3.7%Indonesia
2.7%
Middle East
28.9%Middle 
East
20.4%Africa
4.5%Africa
5.7%India
2.4%
Saudi Arabia
12.2%Other 
Middle East
6.2%Egypt
2.5%Other 
Middle 
East
9.9%Other Africa
3.3%Other Africa
1.7%
Egypt
2.9%Palestine
2.4%
a   Provisional data.WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 18 - 
 
  1.26.  In services trade, Jordan  ranked 52nd among exporters and 63rd among importers in 2021 
(considering the member States  of the European  Union together and excluding intra -EU trade).40 
1.3.3   Foreign direct investment  
1.27.  According to the EPP , the business and investment framework under Investment Law No.  30 
of 2014 and the Jordan Investment Commission somewhat inhibited FDI  inflows partly because it 
comprised and dealt with a large number of direct and indirect regulations.41 To reduce red tape and 
the time/cost of doing business and to promote larger FDI inflows, the new Ministry of Investment 
(MOIN) was created in 2021 to replace the Jordan Investment Commission. Also, the new 
Investment Environment Law No.  21 of 2022 entered into force , replacing Investment Law No.  30 
(Section  2.4). 
1.28.  Public investment in Jordan has dropped by half over the past decade, both as a percentage 
of GDP and as a share of total budget expenditure. Jordan attracts little FDI and private investment 
relative to GDP. According to the World Bank, the most important constraints faced by the private 
sector are high business costs , policy unpredictability a nd investment risks , excessive labour market 
segmentation , and shortcomings related to market competition. The COVID -19 pandemic has also 
had severe impacts on SMEs, which provide 52% of private -sector employment in Jordan. This has 
included a decline in d emand, reduced supply, tightening credit conditions, and a fall in investment.42 
1.29.   Annual FDI inflows declined from around USD  1,800  million in 2016 -17 to USD  768 million 
over 2018 -21, recovering somewhat to USD  1,139  million in 2022 (Table  1.3). Nonetheless, Jordan's 
inward stock of FDI as a percentage of GDP remained stable at around 82% during the review period 
despite the global economic uncertainty caused by the pandemic. According to the most recent data 
provided by the authorities, in 2020  25.2% of FDI stock went into financial and insurance activities, 
followed by manufacturing (15.9%), mining and quarrying (10.3%), construction (9.7%), and real 
estate (9.7%). The United Arab Emirates is the main investor in Jordan with 14.0% of FDI stock in 
2020, followed by the United  Kingdom (8.2%), the State of Kuwait (7.2%), the Kingdom  of Bahrain 
(7.0%), and France (6.2%).  
Table 1.3 FDI, 2016 -22 
(USD  million)  
 2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  2022  
FDI inflows  1,555.2  2,032.6  956.3  730.8  761.4  622.7  1,138.6  
FDI inward stock  32,207.9  34,298.7  35,163.6  35,810.6  36,641.5  37,357.7  38,434.0  
FDI inward stock  
(% of GDP)  80.6 82.3 81.0 79.5 82.8 81.6 80.9 
FDI outflows  3.2 6.6 -7.6 43.4 26.4 15.9 15.8 
FDI outward stock  613.4  619.9  612.3  655.7  682.1  698.0  682.2  
FDI outward stock  
(% of GDP)  1.5 1.5 1.4 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.4 
Source:  UNCTAD (2022), World Investment Report 2022 ; and data provided by the authorities.  
  
 
40 WTO Statistics database, Trade Profiles: Jordan . Viewed  at: 
https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/statis_e/daily_update_e/trade_profiles/JO_e.pdf . 
41 Including 44 laws, 1, 000 regulations, and 800 instructions, involving over 50 public authorities. 
Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (2021), Government's Economic Priorities Program 
2021-2023, p. 9. Viewed  at: https://mop.gov.jo/EBV4.0/Root_Storage/EN/EB_HomePage/final_english_13 -
9.pdf. 
42 World Bank  (2021) , Performance and Learning Review of the Country Partnership Framework for 
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for the Period FY17 -22. Viewed  at: 
https: //documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/597911622223722422/pdf/Jordan -Performance -and-Learning -
Review -for-the-Country -Partnership -Framework -for-the-Period -FY17-FY22.pdf . WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 19 - 
 
  2  TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIMES  
2.1  General framework  
2.1.  Jordan is a constitutional monarchy. Jordan's Constitution was adopted on 28  November  1947 
and ratified on 1  January  1952. The Constitution establishes three separate and independent 
branches of government. Legislative power is vested in the National Assembly and the King.1 The 
National Assembly is bicameral, with a Senate (the upper house) and a House of Representatives 
(the lower house).  
2.2.  Executive power is vested in the King, together with the Council of Ministers hea ded by the 
Prime Minister. The King appoints and dismisses the Prime  Minister, the Ministers (upon the 
recommendation of the Prime Minister), and the members of the Senate. As the Head of State, the 
King has the right to propose laws, and is the ratificati on and promulgation authority.2 
2.3.  The judiciary is an independent and separate body.3 Courts comprise civil courts, religious 
(Shariah) courts, and special courts.4 Civil courts have jurisdiction over commercial disputes 
concerning private -sector parties,  government departments or authorities, and general 
establishments. Religious courts, in addition to hearing cases involving marriages, divorces, wills, 
and legacies, also have jurisdiction in civil or criminal cases related to domestic and foreign trade. 
Special courts deal with issues such as customs and income tax.  
2.4.  During the review period, the Constitution was amended in 2016 and 2022. The aim of 
the 2016 Amendment was to "consolidate the separation of powers , to enhance the independence 
of the Constitu tional Court and the judiciary".5,6 The 2022 Amendment added the word "women" to 
the title of Chapter  2 of the Constitution : "Rights and Duties of Jordanian Men and Women". 
Additionally, the 2022 Amendment created the National Security Council (NSC), hea ded by the King, 
overseeing all internal and external affairs of Jordan.7 The NSC holds wide -ranging political and 
security powers.  
2.5.  During the review period, no changes were made regarding the procedures to formulate laws. 
Bills, once prepared by the relevant ministry, are presented to the Council of Ministers, the House 
of Representatives, and the Senate. The King ratifies the bills p assed by both the House of 
Representatives and the Senate. A law becomes effective 30 days after publication in the 
Official  Gazette  or as stipulated in the law.8 
2.6.  All policies (including trade policies) must be formulated and implemented by means of legal  
instruments. The instruments include Royal Decrees, laws, and ministerial decisions (in descending 
order of importance). Treaties and international agreements concluded by Jordan have legal power 
in national courts. In case of conflict between internation al and domestic laws, applicable 
international agreements take preference.  
2.2  Trade policy formulation and objectives  
2.7.  The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply (MITS) remains responsible for devising and 
executing trade and industrial policies. The Foreign Trade Policy Directorate, under the MITS, deals 
with all matters relating to the WTO  and to  bilateral and regional trade agreements. The MITS is in 
charge of negotiating and preparing draft agreement s, supervising their implementation, evaluating 
 
1 Constitution , Article  25. 
2 Constitution, Article  26. 
3 Constitution, Article  97. 
4 Judges of the civil and Sharia h courts are appointed and dismissed by Royal Decree.  
5 ConstitutionNet (2016), "Jordan's 2016 Constitutional Amendments", 27  May. The Constitutional Court 
was established in 2012 as part of the amendments made to the Constitution in 2011, with the aim of creating 
an independent judicial body with the specific  task to settle disputes related to the unconstitutionality of laws 
and regulations in force, in addition to the power of interpreting the provisions of the Constitution. See 
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan  Constitutional Court. Viewed  at: https://cco.gov.jo/ . 
6 The 2016 Amendment also strengthened the neutrality of the gendarmerie and permitted dual 
nationals to run for parliamentarian elections and be appointed as senators and ministers.  
7 The council comprises the Prime Minister, army chief, directors of the security forces, interior minister, 
and foreign minister, as well as two members directly appointed by the King.  
8 WTO document WT/TPR/S/3 25/Rev.1, 5 February  2016. WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 20 - 
 
  their impact, and amending them. The Directorate is the focal point for the WTO, functioning as 
Jordan's Notification Point for all WTO  Agreements, except for notifications related to agriculture, 
SPS, and TBT.9 The Directorate is responsible for ensuring that Jordan complies with all of its 
commitments to the WTO and its regional and bilateral agreements.  
2.8.  The main legislation on international trade remains the Import and Export Law No.  21 of 2001, 
which provides the general principles of foreign trade, and  mechanism for imports, exports, and 
transit. During the review period, some trade -related laws or other legal instruments were issued, 
amended, or revised (Table  2.1). 
Table 2.1 Main trade and investment -related legislation, 2023  
Subject  Legislation  
Customs procedures  Import and Export Law No.  21 of 2001  
Customs Law No.  20 of 1998 and its amendments, including:  
• Law No.  33 of 2018  
• Law No.  10 of 2019  
• Prime Ministerial Resolution No.  1356 of 2021  
• Advance Ruling Act of 2020  
Import prohibitions, restrictions, 
and licensing  Import and Export Law No.  21 of 2001  
Import Regulation No.  109 of 2015  
Import licences for aluminium profiles of 2019 and 2020  
Exports  Import and Export Law No.  21 of 2001  
Export  licences control list of 2018  
Standards and technical 
requirements  Standards and Metrology Law No.  22 of 2000 and its amendments in 
2015 and 2019  
Sanitary and phytosanitary 
requirements  Food Safety Law No.  30 of 2015  
Agriculture Law No.  13 of 2015  
Government procurement  Government Procurement Instruction No.  28 of 2019  
Government Procurement Act No.  8 of 2022 and its amendments  
Instructions regulating government procurement procedures of 2022  
Economic Zones  Development and Free Zone Law No.  2 of 20 08 
Amendment Development Zone Law No.  38 of 2010  
Investment Environment Law No.  21 of 2022  
Aqaba Economic Zone L aw No. 32 of 2000  
Tax and incentives  General Sales Tax Law No.  29 of 2009  
Income Tax Law No.  34 of 2014  
Investment Incentives Regulation No.  33 of 2015  
Decision of the Investment Council No.  1/1/2016 of 25  January  2016 
Regulation No.  44 Corporate Income Tax of 2016  
Income Tax Law No.  38 of 2018  
Regulation No.  18 of 2020  
Investment Environment Law No.  21 of 2022  
Investment Enviro nment Regulation No.  7 of 2023  
Competition policy, price controls  Competition Law No.  33 of 2004 and its amendments  
Industry and Trade Law No.  188 of 1998  
Market Monitor Instructions No.  13 of 2017  
Integrity and Anti -Corruption Law No.  13 of 2016  
State -owned enterprises, 
privatization, and state trading  Public -Private  Partnership (PPP) Law No.  17 of 2020  
PPP Act No.  23 of 2021  
PPP Projects Account Act No.  24 of 2021  
National Registry of Public Inve stment Projects Act No.  27 of 2021  
Financial Surplus Law No.  30 of 2007 and its amendments  
 
9 The Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for WTO notifications related to agriculture and SPS 
measures, while t he Jordanian Standards and Metrology Organization (JSMO) is in charge of TBT notifications . WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 21 - 
 
  Subject  Legislation  
Intellectual property rights 
protection  Trademark Law No.  15 of 2008 and its amendments  
Trademark Law No.  13 of 2000  
Trademark Law No.  33 and its amendments  
Tradem ark Law No.  34 and its amendments  
Trademark Law No.  29 and its amendments  
Trademark Law No.  117 and its amendments  
Trademark Regulations No.  128 of 2009 and No.  22 of 2010  
Copyright Protection Law No.  22 of 1992  and its amendments, 
including :  
• Law No.  23 of 2014  
• Law No.  10 of 2019 amending Customs Law No.  20 of 1998  
Patent Regulation Law No.  33 of 2018 (IP -related laws) and its 
amendments, including Regulation No.  5 of 2019  
Regulation No.  97 of 2001  
Patent Law No.  32 of 1999 and its amendments  
Patent Law No.  8 of 2016  
Patent Law No.  16 of 2017  
Patent Law No.  17 of 2017  
Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits Protection Law No.  10 of 2000  
Unfair Competition and Trade Secret Protection Law No.  15 of 2000  
Plant Varieties Protection Law No.  24 of 2000  
Financial services  Banking Law No.  28 of 2000 and its amendments  
Amended Regulations for Banks' Licensing Fees No.  85 of 2012  
Anti-Money laundering and Counter Terrorist Financing Instructions 
No. 20 of 2021  
Insurance Regulatory Law No.  12 of 2021  
Tempor ary Credit Information Law No.  15 of 2010  
Islamic Finance Sukuk Law No.  30 of 2012  
Corporate Governance Code of 2008  
Finance Company Act No. 107 of 2021  
Security Law No.  18 of 2017 and its amendments  
Law No.  1 of 2017 Regulating the Dealing at Foreign Stoc k Exchange 
Law 
Telecommunications  Telecommunications Law No.  21 of 2011  
Telecommunications Law No.  13 of 1995 and its amendments  
Transportation  Transportation Law No.  37 of 2008 and its amendments  
Railways Law No.  24 of 2012  
Maritime Authority Law No.  38 of 2008 and its amendments  
Maritime Commercial Law of 1972  
Land Transport Regulatory Commission Law No.  4 of 2011  
Transportation of Passengers by Road Law No.  33 of 2010  
Freight Transport on Roads Law No.  14 of 2012  
Law No.  34 of 2012  
Law No.  79 of 2014  
Investment  Investment Environment Law No.  21 of 2022  
Reconstruction of Public Institutions and Directorates Law No.  6 of 2022  
Investment Environment Regulation No.  7 of 2023  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
2.9.  Jordan's trade policy objectives include enhancing trade and economic openness through rapid 
integration into the global economy, boosting the competitiveness of the economy, improving trade 
performance, and promoting a stimulating environment for economic and investment activi ties. 
2.10.  In May  2015, Jordan released its 10 -year economic blueprint, Jordan Vision 2025 Strategy , 
which aims to help Jordan move quickly to diversify resources, develop infrastructure, and capitalize 
on its strengths .10 The basic principles set out in the Strategy are "promoting the rule of law and 
equal opportunities, increasing participatory policy making, achieving fiscal sustainability and 
strengthening institutions ".11 
2.11.  In October  2020, the Government published the E conomic Priorities Program for 2021-2023 
(EPP), in which the authorities set out three main objectives:  (i) enabling the private sector to create 
 
10 WTO document WT/TPR/S/3 25/Rev.1, 5 February  2016.  
11 United Nations ESCWA, Jordan 2025: A National Vision and Strategy , p. 13. WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 22 - 
 
  jobs for Jordanians; (ii)  stimulating local and foreign investments; and (iii)  increasing national 
exports of goods and services.12 The EPP selected 53 priority programmes across the following 
3 pillars: improving the business and investment environment; enhancing competition and 
increasing employment; and supporting priority sectors (tourism, information technolo gy, 
agriculture, and industry) (Table  2.2).13 Funds allocated to the programme stood at JOD  480 million 
(Section  1.2). 
Table 2.2 EPP 2021 -23 
Pillars  Drivers/enablers  
Improving the business and 
investment env ironment  Regulatory environment  
Develop new investment and doing business regulations  
Simplify and digitalize investment and doing business procedures  
Enhance competitiveness  
Reduce cost of production (mainly electricity tariffs)  
Restructure customs tariffs  
Improve access to finance  
Digitalization of government services  
Increase broadband access and connectivity, and implement necessary 
infrastructure to support a digitally enabled economy (e.g. e -payments, 
e-invoicing)  
Investment  
Attract foreign investments and stimulate local investment (mining and 
rare-earth minerals)  
Stimulate capital markets  
Mega infrastructure and Public -Private  Partnership (PPP) 
project s  
Increase investments and growth by implementing mega infrastructure 
and PPP projects (e.g. cargo terminal, floating gas storage unit, thermal 
power projects, national railroad, regional electricity connectivity projects 
(Egypt, Palestine, Iraq, and Leba non))  
Enhancing competition and 
increasing employment  Free and fair markets   
Enhance fair competition (review legislation and empower entities)  
New social security law  
Amendments to Labour Law  
Employment and skill development   
Support private sector to sustain existing jobs and create new 
employment opportunities  
Extension of the Istidama Programme until October  2022 
New National Employment  Scheme (social security subsidies, wage 
subsidies and demand driven training)  
Supporting priority sector s Support to recover and unlock potential for increase growth, 
employment, and exports   
Tourism  (attract 4.5  million tourists by 2023)  
Information technology  (regional hub for digital transformation and 
IT services)  
Agriculture  (productivity and export p otential, increase output by 20% in 
comparison to 2020 levels)  
Industry  (increase export of goods and services)  
Source:  MOPIC. Viewed  at: https://www.mop.gov.jo/EN/Pages/new_page . 
2.12.  Following the EPP, the Cabinet approved a major customs reform in January  2022 that 
simplifies the tariff system (Section  3.1.3). According to the IMF, "the reform is expected to reduce 
tax evasion and corruption, but also to lower customs revenue (by 0.3  percent  of GDP) in the 
 
12 Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MOPIC) (2021), Governmen t's Economic Priorities 
Program 2021 -2023. Viewed  at: https://www.mop.gov.jo/EN/Pages/new_page . 
13 The priorities have assigned their own delivery target, implementation timeline and allocated funds 
for implementation. The priorities will be updated every six to nine months. MOPIC (2021), Government 's 
Economic Priorities Program 2021 -2023, p. 5. Viewed  at: 
https://www.mop.gov.jo/EBV4.0/Root_Storage/EN/EB_Info_Page/english_final_16 -9_website.pdf . WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 23 - 
 
  near-term due to a lower average tariff ".14 Moreover, during the review period, the framework of 
the General Sales Tax (GST) was amended (Section  3.1.4.2).  
2.13.  With regard to enhancing competitiveness, the EPP identified four priorities: (i)  reducing 
electricity costs for specified economic sectors; (ii)  restructuring customs tariffs; (iii)  reducing cost 
of lending from the Central Bank of Jordan for licensed mic ro-financing institutions; and 
(iv) expanding Jordan's Loan Guarantee Corporation portfolio. In addition, one of the goals of the 
EPP is to enhance the competitiveness of national products in domestic and export markets through 
"upgrading" the quality of J ordanian products for local and global markets; developing infrastructure, 
testing capabilities , and capacities; and developing the "Made in Jordan" programme by adopting 
quality standards.15 
2.14.  According to the authorities, the customs reform also aims to es tablish a "unified umbrella" 
controlling export and imports. The goal is to reduce the time and cost for clearance of goods at 
borders (not to exceed three days and a 25% reduction in non -tariff indirect costs) by merging 
border control entities under one umbrella. The unified umbrella implemented by Customs includes 
the following processe s: (i) electronic standardization through the single window; (ii)  advance ruling 
and approvals; (iii)  standardized  risk management procedure based on international standar ds in all 
oversight bodies; and (iv)  simultaneous inspection of merchandise by customs and control 
authorities.  
2.15.  In March  2020, the Government endorsed the National Strategy for Women (NSW) 2020 -25 
to promote the rights of women and enable them to be fully and effectively engaged in society. The 
Strategy  consists of six pillars: (i)  economic empowerment; (ii)  political empowerment and 
participation in decision -making; (iii)  human rights; (iv)  combating violence against women and 
girls; (v)  community culture;  and (vi) institutional gender mainstreaming in the public and private 
sectors.16 
2.16.  In June  2022, Jordan's Economic Modernization Vision was announced by the Government , 
aiming to enhance, over a 10 -year period, growth and quality of life by creating one  million new 
jobs; improv e Jordan's ranking on global competitiveness, environment, prosperity, and 
sustainability indexes; and expand into high value -added service and industrial sectors.17 The 
authorities estimate the investment needed to realize the Vision is JOD  40 billion (Section  1.2). 
2.3  Trade agreements and arrangements  
2.3.1   WTO  
2.17.   Jordan became a Member of the WTO on 11  April 2000, and its trade policies were reviewed 
in 2008 and 2015. Jordan has never participated in any dispute settlement proceedings at the WTO 
as a complainant, a respondent, or a third party. Regarding plurilateral agreements, Jordan is a 
signatory to the Information Technology Agreement (ITA)18, and an observer to the  Agree ment on  
Government Procurement (GPA). Jordan is a member of the WTO Arab Group  and the Recently 
Acceded Members group (RAM). Jordan has submitted proposals as a small and vulnerable economy 
(SVE), and as a net food -importing developing country ( NFIDC ). 
2.18.  The authorities indicate that Jordan is strongly committed to the multilateral trading system 
and to the rules of the WTO as a mean to curb harmful protectionist measures, reduce barrier s to 
 
14 IMF (2022), Jordan:  Staff Report for the Article  IV Consultation , IMF Country Report No.  22/221, 
pp. 9-10. 
15 Allocated funds total JOD  1.7 million for this specific goal.  MOPIC (2021), Government 's Economic 
Priorities Program 2021 -2023, p. 98. Viewed  at: 
https://www.mop.gov.jo/EBV4.0/Root_Storage/EN/EB_Info_Page/english_final_16 -9_website.pdf . 
16 The NSW, mainly developed by the Jordanian Commission for Women, includes 50 initiatives and 
268 programmes and projects through 76 implementing partners at an estimated cost of JOD  216.2  million.  
The Jordanian National Commission for Women, Action Plan of the National Strategy for Women in Jordan,  
2023-2025 (unofficial translation), p. 10 -11. Viewed  at: https://women.jo/en . 
17 IMF Country Report No.  22/221, p. 20.  
18 WTO document G/IT/1/Rev.59, 25  March  2022.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 24 - 
 
  global trade , and enhance market access conditions. Jordan grants at  least most -favoured -nation 
(MFN) treatment to all  of its trading partners/WTO Members.  
2.19.  During the review period, Jordan submitted a number of notifications to the WTO (Table  A2.1), 
mainly in the area of agriculture, FTAs, safeguards, SPS , and TFA. As of J une 2023, at least 
20 outstanding notifications were identified by the WTO Central Registry of Notifications (Table  2.3). 
Jordan 's unfulfilled notification obligations related to agriculture, IP, market access, and WTO rules .19 
To date,  Jordan has not subm itted any notification s under the General Agreement on Trade in 
Services.  
Table 2.3 Pending notifications, as of 30 June  2023  
WTO  Agreement  Requirement/content  
Agreement on Agriculture  
Article  18.2 Domestic support (calendar years 2015 to 2022)  
Article  10 and 18.2  Export subsidies (calendar years 2015 to 2022)  
Agreement on Trade -Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS)  
Article  63.2 Legislation  
Article  69 Contact points (subsequent changes)  
Market Access  
Article  7.3 Questionnaire on import licensing (2021)  
Article  7.3 Questionnaire on import licensing (2022)  
Market access for goods: Quantitative restrictions  
 Notifications of quantitative restrictions in force (biennial period 2020 -22) 
 Notifications of quantitative restrictions in force (biennial period 2022 -24) 
Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing  Measures  
Art 25.1  Subsidies (full notification)  
Article  XVII:4(a)  Understanding on the interpretation of Article  XVII – State trading enterprises 
(period  2020-21) 
Source:  WTO Central Registry of Notifications.  
2.3.2   Regional and preferential agreements  
2.20.  As of end -June 2023, Jordan has eight regional trade agreements (RTAs) in force with 
52 economies (Table  2.4). During the review period , Jordan signed a new RTA with the 
United  Kingdom (see below) and terminated its FTA with Türkiye on 22  November  2018 (end of the 
implementation period was 2022).20 On 1  October  2019, Jordan and Türkiye signed a new 
Agreement on Trade and Economic Cooperation; it entered into force on 21  September  2021.  
Table 2.4 RTAs in force, 2023  
Agreement  Date of entry into force  WTO document series  
Pan-Arab Free Trade Area 
Agreement (PAFTA )a  1 January  1998  
(end of implementation period 2005)  WT/REG223  
Jordan – United  States  17 December  2001  
(end of implementation period 2010)  WT/REG134  
European  Union – Jordan  1 May 2002  
(end of implementation period 2013)  WT/REG141  
EFTA – Jordan  1 September  2002  
(end of implementation period 2014)  WT/REG133  
Jordan – Singapore  22 August  2005 
(end of implementation period 2014)  WT/REG215  
Agadir Agreement (Egypt, 
Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia)b 27 March  2007  WT/COMTD/N/48  
 
19 WTO Central Registry of Notifications.  
20 The FTA with Türkiye entered into force on 1  March  2011, covering goods and intellectual property 
rights. WTO document WT/REG294/N/2, 7  October  2019.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 25 - 
 
  Agreement  Date of entry into force  WTO document series  
Jordan – Canada  1 October  2012  
(end of implementation period 2016)  WT/REG335  
United  Kingdom – Jordan  1 May 2021 WT/REG453  
a Algeria, Kingdom  of Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, the State  of Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya , Morocco, 
Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Kingdom  of Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syrian  Arab Republic , Tunisia, 
United  Arab Emirates, and Yemen.  
b The authorities indicate that the Agadir Agreement is separate from the PAFTA. It gives the same 
exem ptions granted in the Agreement on the Development and Facilitation of Trade Exchange 
between the members of the League of Arab States. The purpose of the Agadir Agreement is to 
implement accumulation of origin with the EU member  State s. 
Source:  WTO RTA database.  
2.21.  On 5 November  2019, the United  Kingdom and Jordan signed an Association Agreement. It 
entered into force on 1  May 2021 (Table  2.5). The Agreement preserved most of the links between 
the Parties under the 1997 Euro -Mediterranean Agreement establishi ng an Association between the 
European  Union  and Jordan. The Agreement provided for the elimination of customs duties between 
the two Parties, and the share of duty -free lines applicable to imports from the United  Kingdom 
immediately at the entry into forc e of the Agreement was 97.1%, corresponding to 98.9% of total 
imports from the United  Kingdom during the period 2018 -20.21 According to authorities, a relaxed 
rules of origin scheme similar to the one in the EU -Jordan FTA is in force (Table  2.6). 
Table 2.5 United Kingdom -Jordan Association Agreement  
Agreement  Description  
Title Association Agreement between the United  Kingdom and Jordan  
Parties  United  Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Jordan  
Coverage and type  Goods, FTA; investment, government procurement, intellectual property 
rights  
Date of signature  5 November  2019 
Date of entry into force  1 May 2021 
 United  Kingdom -Jordan trade relations were previously governed by the 
Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an Association between the 
European  Communities and their member States, the "EU -Jordan 
Association Agreement" including associated agreements and protocols 
notably the Protocol Establishing a Dispute Settlement Mechanism 
applicable to disputes under the trade provisions of the EU -Jordan 
Association Agreement. The EU -Jordan Association Agreeme nt ceased to 
apply to the United  Kingdom as of 1  January  2021.  
Factual Presentation  27 and 28  June 2022 
Jordan merchandise trade with 
the United  Kingdom (2020)  2.4% of Jordan's imports and 0.35% of its exports  
WTO document series  WT/REG453  
Source:  WTO document WT/REG453/N/1, 4  May 2021.  
 
21 WTO document WT /REG453/M/1, 26  July 2022.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 26 - 
 
  Table 2.6 EU-Jordan relaxed rules of origin  
 Description  
Designated development zones 
and industrial areas and estates  Amman  (Aljeeza industrial area, Alqastal industrial area, Marka 
industrial area, Muwaqqar industrial city, Al Tajamuar industrial city, King 
Abdullah II Bin Alhuussein city)   
Al Karak  (Al Hussein Bin Abdullah II industrial city)   
Aqaba  (Al Quwayrah industrial a rea)  
Irbid  (Irbid development zone, El Hassan industrial city)   
Mafraq  (King Hussein Bin Talal development zone (including Mafraq 
industrial city))  
Ma'an  (Ma'an development zone)   
Zarqa  (Dulail industrial city, El -Hashmieh industrial area, El -Ressaiefeh 
industrial areas, El -Sukhneh industrial area, Wadi El -Eisheh industrial 
area)  
Syrian Labour percentage  Not less than 15% of Syrian refugees. This percentage requirement will 
be dropped if the total number of 60,000 is reached . 
Products covered  Apparel and clothing, electronic appliances, cable s, furniture, cement, 
precious metals, cosmetics, paints, soaps, chemicals, and plastics  
Participant  19 companies registered and 14 exporting their products  
HS chapters  25; 27; 28; 29; 31; 32; 33; 34; 35;  37; 38; 39; 40; 41; 42; 43; 44; 51; 
54; 55; 56; 57; 58; 59; 60; 61; 62; 63; 64; 65; 68; 69; 70; 71; 73; 74; 
76; 78; 80; 82; 83; 84; 85; 86; 87; 90; 91; 94; 95; 96  
Date of entry into force  19 July 2016 
Date of expiration  31 December  2030 
Competent authorities  MITS; Customs; Ministry of Labour; Ministry of Municipal Affairs; Ministry 
of Investment  
Source:  MITS, Simplification of the Rules of Origin with the EU . Viewed  at: https://www.moin.gov.jo/wp -
content/uploads/2018/11/V9 -English -Pamphlet -For-Website -Reduced.pdf.  
2.22.  The EU -Jordan FTA was amended in 2016. A Decision of the EU -Jordan Association Committee 
to simplify rules of origin was signed on 19  July 2016 and is valid thr ough 31  December  2030.22 
Initially, the relaxed rules of origin ("Jordan Compact" ) applied to exports of Jordanian origin that 
are manufactured in 18 designated development zones and industrial areas. The relaxed rules of 
origin applied to a list of indust rial products manufactured in the designated zones, as well as a 
percentage of Syrian refugees (Table  2.6). According to the authorities, the Decision was amended 
in December  2018 to cover all industrial areas and development zones in Jordan. Nineteen 
comp anies were registered to benefit from the relaxed rules of origin, and 14 of them exported their 
products to the European  Union  for EUR  241.5  million in 2022 (EUR  91.0 million in 2020).  
2.23.  Jordan also has an FTA with Israel in force and continues negotiating an FTA with Mexico.  
2.24.  Jordan also has a tripartite agreement with Israel and the United  States, which established 
Qualifying  Industrial Zones (QIZs) (Section  3.2.4). Products manufacture d in the QIZs can be 
exported to the United  States duty -free and quota -free. QIZ s exported USD  1.8 billion in 2021, an 
increase of 12.0% compared with 2020.23 
2.3.3   Preferential trade arrangements  
2.25.  During the review period, Jordan received trade preferences under the Generalized System of 
Preferences (GSP)24 scheme of Australia, Belarus, Japan, Kazakhstan, New  Zealand, the 
Russian  Federation, Türkiye, and the United  States.25 
 
22 MITS, Simplification of the Rules of Origin with the EU . Viewed  at: https://www.moin.gov.jo/wp -
content/uploads/2018/11 /V9-English -Pamphlet -For-Website -Reduced.pdf . 
23 Data provided by the authorities.  
24 UNCTAD (2018), Generalized System of Preferences, List of Beneficiaries . Viewed  at: 
https://unctad.org/system/files/official -document/itcdtsbmisc62rev7_en.pdf . 
25 The US GSP programme expired on 31  December  2020. New legislation has been proposed to 
reinstate the GSP, b ut to date ( June 2023) it has not been approved . For details, see WTO document 
WT/TPR/S/434, 9  November  2022.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 27 - 
 
  2.26.  Jordan does not participate in the Global System of Trade Preferences (GSTP).26 
2.4  Investment  regime  
2.27.  Since its previous Review, Jordan has made significant changes to its legislative and 
institutional frameworks for investment. On 14  January  2023, Investment Environment Law No.  21 
of 2022 entered into force27, replacing   Investment Law No.  30 of 2 014.28 The new Investment 
Environment Law  aims at creating a more investment -friendly environment. It provides equal 
treatment to both local and foreign investors and guarantees free money transfers overseas.29 On 
12 February  2023, Investment Environment R egulation No.  7 of 2023 was enacted.  
2.28.  Investment Environment Law No.  21 of 2022 promotes automating procedures and services; 
determines the powers of the  new Ministry of Investment (MOIN) and its Investment Council (see 
below); creates an Incentives and Exe mptions Committee (see below); regulates free zones 
(Section  3.2.4); and defines economic activities  as "[a]ny industrial, commercial, agricultural, 
service, tourism, information technology or creative industry  activity , and shall not include banking, 
mone y exchange or regulated professional activities as per special legislations".30 As well as 
targeting investment in strategic and entrepreneurial enterprises, R&D, and innovation, the new Law 
aims to establish a better environment for small and medium -sized enterprises (SMEs), while 
protecting the environment and encourage transition to a green economy.31 
2.29.  A new M OIN was created in 2021  under the Reconstruction of Public Institutions and 
Directorates Law No.  6 of 2022 . The MOIN replaced the Jordan Invest ment Commission as the entity 
responsible for promoting and facilitating investments in Jordan. MOIN's mission is to "stimulate and 
activate investments … by keeping pace with and developing infrastructures , and promoting 
investment opportunities and expor ts to increase the effectiveness of domestic and foreign 
investments and ensure financial sustainability".32 
2.30.  MOIN provides "Comprehensive Investment Services" or a "One-Stop window" to assist 
investors with all related administrative procedures including r egistration and licensing applications. 
The window allows authorized representatives of relevant government authorities to issue approvals 
and licences for investment projects, and also allows qualified staff from the MOIN to facilitate 
procedure s and foll ow-up. All applications submitted through the Comprehensive Investment 
Services should be processed within 15 days from the receipt of a completed application. If the 
application is not processed within 15 days, the application is considered approved.33 
2.31.  The Investment Council, under MOIN, oversees the management and development of Jordan's 
investment policy. The Prime Minister presides over the Investment Council, with t he Minister of 
Investment as vice -chair. The Council includes representatives from both the public and private 
 
26 UNCTAD, Global System of Trade Preferences . Viewed  at: https://unctad.org/topic/trade -
agreements/global -system -of-trade -preferences . 
27 Published in the Official Gazette No.  5821 on 16  October  2022.  
28 "[T]he economic activities that enjoy customs or tax exemptions or financial incentives under the 
Investment Law No.  (30) for the year 2014 and any regu lations, instructions or decisions issued pursuant 
thereto shall continue benefiting from the said exemptions and benefits until the end of the exemption period 
granted thereto under the aforesaid legislations and with the same conditions stipulated therei n, or for seven 
years from the date in which the provisions of this Law came into effect in respect of the exemptions that have 
no specific period."  Investment Environment Law No.  21 of 2022, Article  16. Viewed  at: 
https://www.jiec.com/uploaded/investmentlaw2022en.pdf . 
29 Investment Environment Law No.  21 of 2022,  Article  3. Viewed  at: 
https://www.jiec.com/uploaded/investmentlaw2022en.pdf . 
30 Investment Environment Law No.  21 of 2022, Article  2. Viewed  at: 
https://www.jiec.com/uploaded/inve stmentlaw2022en.pdf .  
31 Investment Environment Law No.  21 of 2022, Article  3. Viewed  at: 
https://www.jiec.com/uploaded/investmentlaw2022en.pdf .  
32 MOIN, Vision, Mission  and Objectives . Viewed  at: https://www.moin.gov.jo/en/mission -vision -and-
objectives/ . 
33 MOIN, The Comprehensive Investment Service Directorate . Viewed  at: 
https://www.moin.gov.jo/en/the -investment -window/ . WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 28 - 
 
  sectors.34 The decisions of the Investment Council do not need endorsement or approval by the 
Cabinet.  
2.32.  Investment Environment Law No.  21 of 2022 created an Incentives and Exemptions 
Committee. The Council of Ministers, upon the recom mendation of the Committee , may provide any 
incentives, benefits, or exemptions for certain economic activities, including s ubsidizing energy and 
water costs and supporting renewable energy projects; granting tax or customs exemptions or 
reductions in retu rn for employing a minimum number of Jordanian labour force . Certain criteria are 
considered i n granting such incentives, exemptions , and benefits, e.g. employing at least 
350 Jordanians; employing Jordanian women as no less than 50% of the total labour fo rce, provided 
that the number shall not be less than 50 Jordanian women ; engaging in economic activities that 
target export markets with a percentage of not less than 50%; and participating in activities with 
local added value, at a rate of not less than 5 0%.35 
2.33.  The Law also requires formulating a national investment map to identify investment 
opportunities in different sectors, and to link these opportunities with the geographic location.  
2.34.  According to the EPP, Jordan's investment framework before these legislative and institutional 
changes was complex and burdensome , comprising a large number of direct and indirect regulations. 
This framework inhibited FDI inflows during the review period (Section  1.3.3), affected business and 
investment activities, and impacted Jordan's competitiveness, as well as its rankings in international 
reports.36 
2.35.  Foreign investors in general have the same treatment as domestic investors, with some 
exceptions. Certain sectors are prohibited from foreign investment, and some have e quity 
restrictions to less than 50% (Table  2.7). 
Table 2.7 FDI restrictions, 2023  
Foreign investment restrictions/prohibitions  Notes  
Foreign ownership is limited to less than 50% in:  
Commercial activities   
Retail and wholesale trade, including distribution   
Import and export services  "[E]xcept for what is necessary for the 
purposes of performing the Economic 
Activity and exporting the product or 
commodities " (Article  11(A)) . According to 
the authorities, f oreign equity limit depends 
on the approval of the Cabinet based on 
recommendation by the Minister of 
Investment .  
Services   
Engineering services and consultancy   
Construction contracting and related services   
Brokerage  Except brokering and financial intermediary 
services provided by banks, and financial 
services companies  
Commercial agents and middlemen and insurance brokers   
Food and beverages  Except in tourist restaurants, hotels , and 
motels  
 
34 The Council also includes the Minis ter of Planning and International Cooperation; Minister of Finance; 
Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply; Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship; Governor of the 
Central Bank; Chair of the Board of Directors of the Jordan Chamber of Industry; Chair of the Board of 
Directors of Jordan Chamber of Commerce; four representatives of the private sector, provided that one is 
female; and three representatives from agriculture, tourism, and financial services. Investment Environment 
Law No.  21 of 2022, Article  8. 
35 Investment Environment Law No.  21 of 2022,  Articles 12 -17. Viewed  at: 
https://www.jiec.com/uploaded/investmentlaw2022en.pdf . 
36 The framework  included 44 laws, 1,000  regulations, and 800  instructions, involving over 50  public 
authorities. MOPIC (2021), Government's Economic Priorities Program 2021 -2023, p. 9. Viewed  at: 
https://mop.gov.jo/EBV4.0/Root_Storage/EN/EB_HomePage/final_english_13 -9.pdf. WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 29 - 
 
  Foreign investment restrictions/prohibitions  Notes  
Maritime shipping services and its related services (maritime 
inspection; supply of ships; maritime freight brokers services; 
shipping agents services)   
Maritime transport of passengers and cargo  Excluding transport on vessels owned by 
non-Jordanians  
Air transport related services (in spection, cargo transport 
agencies, air freight brokers)   
Road transports services (specialized tourist transport 
services; services related to road transport; cargo 
transportation agencies, inspection, and freight brokers)   
  
Foreign investment is prohibited:  
Stone saws and quarries of construction sand, rubble, natural 
construction stone and aggregates used for construction 
purposes   
Investigation and security services   
Private protection and guarding services (including training 
activities)   
Clearance services  Except those related to the listed transport 
services  
Trading in, import , and maintenance of firearms and 
ammunition   
Private shooting activities   
Trading in fireworks, import and services   
Bakeries of all kinds   
Note:  A foreign enterprise  may own a project in full and not apply the percentage restrictions under the 
following conditions: Jordanians shall have shares not less than 50% of the capital ; the company 
shall be corporatized and registered outside Jordan; the company shall not be a public shareholding 
company; and there shall be no restriction on ownership or participation in the related legislation.  
Source:  Regulation No.  7 of 2023, Regulating the Investment Environment Regulation for the Year 2023 . 
Viewed  at: https://www.moi n.gov.jo/wp -content/uploads/2023/06/Investment -Environment -
Regulation -No-7-for-the-year-2023-English -2.pdf. 
2.36.  Until the end of the year 2022,  Investment Law No.  30 of 2014 fixed the equity restrictions 
to a maximum of 50% o r 49%.37 
2.37.  Since the previous Review, two new sectors have been added in the prohibited category. FDI 
is not allowed in bakeries  or private shooting activities. FDI in passenger and freight road transport, 
sports clubs, and real estate services is no longer prohibited. Currently, passenger and freight road 
transport have an equity restriction of no less than 50%.38 
2.38.  The equity cap may be increased by the Council of Ministers.  The authorities state that there 
are no restrictions on investment abroad by Jordan n ationals.  
2.39.  Investors may seek contract enforcement through the judicial system, or via alternative 
dispute resolution such as the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) 
and the International Chamber of Commerce arbitration rules.39 
2.40.  Under the Integrity and Anti -Corruption Law No.  13 of 2016, the Office of the Ombudsman 
merged with the Anti -Corruption Commission creating a new entity: the Integrity and 
Anti-Corruption Commission.40 The Commission receives complaints  and grievances regarding 
decisions taken by the public administration. It also aims to ensure that private sector and civil 
society institutions develop good governance standards.  
 
37 WTO document WT/TPR/S/3 25/Rev.1, 5 February  2016. 
38 At the time of the previous Review , FDI in dental services; pension consultancy; and geology -related 
sciences, scientific and technical services related to prospecting, surveying, exploration, exploitation, and map 
making were prohibited.  
39 Investment Environment Law, Article  45. 
40 An Investment Affairs Unit was cr eated. It is a specialized unit operating in the Commission dealing 
with investment issues.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 30 - 
 
  2.41.  Jordan has signed 58 bilateral investment treaties (BITs) , of which 49 have  been ratified and 
2 terminated  (Italy in 2015 and India in 2020) .41 Since its previous Review in 2016, Jordan has 
signed BITs with Japan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye.  
2.42.  Jordan has double taxation avoidance agreements with 42 economies: Algeria;  Azerbaijan; 
Kingdom  of Bahrain; Belarus; Bosnia  and Herzegovina; Bulgaria; Canada; Croatia; Cyprus; 
Czech  Republic; Egypt; France; India; Indonesia; Islamic  Republic  of Iran; Italy; the 
Republic  of Korea; the State  of Kuwait; Lebanon; Malaysia; Malta; Mor occo; Netherlands; Pakistan; 
Palestine; Poland; Qatar; Romania; the Kingdom  of Saudi  Arabia; Serbia; Singapore; Sudan; Syria; 
Chinese  Taipei; Tajikistan; Tunisia; Türkiye; Ukraine; United  Arab Emirates; United  Kingdom; 
Uzbekistan; and Yemen.42 
2.43.  On 19  Decemb er 2019, Jordan signed the Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty 
Related Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting, becoming the 93rd jurisdiction to join 
the Convention.43 
  
 
41 Seven BITs are not in force: the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Iraq, Palestine, Tanzania, 
Democratic Republic of Congo, and China. UNCTAD Policy Hub, Internat ional Investment Agreements . 
Viewed  at: https://investmentpolicy.unctad.org/international -investment -agreements/countries/106/jordan . 
42 Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements . 
Viewed  at: 
https://istd.gov.jo/EN/ListDetails/Agreements_signed_with_the_Jordanian_government__Double_taxation_avo
idance_agreements/1102/1 . 
43 OECD (2019), " Jordan Signs Landmark Agreement to Strengthen Its Tax Treaties", 19  December . 
Viewed  at: https://www.oecd.org/tax/jordan -signs-landmark -agreement -to-strengthen -its-tax-treaties.htm . WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 31 - 
 
  3  TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASUR E 
3.1  Measures directly affecting imports  
3.1.1   Customs procedures, valuation, and requirements  
3.1.  The principal legislation on Customs matters remains the Customs Law (Law No.  20 of 1998, 
as amended in 2012). During the review period, the Customs Law was amended twice , in 2018 
and 2019, respectively. The 2018 Amendment, in particular, overhauled and modernized the 
Customs regime. Main features of the 2018 Amendment included introducing digitalization of 
Customs procedures, providing pre -arrival processing, updating the  transit regime, and 
strengthening anti -smuggling enforcement.  
3.2.  The Customs Department (i.e. Jordan Customs) remains the enforcement authority at the 
border concerning Customs matter. The Jordan Standards and Metrology Organization (JSMO), the 
Jordan Food a nd Drug Administration (JFDA), the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Energy 
and Natural Resources are also present at the border and involved in enforcing trade -related laws.  
3.3.  Jordan ratified the WTO  Agreement on Trade Facilitation (TFA) on 22  February  2017 and has 
submitted to the WTO its notifications on the measures under Categories A, B, and C.1 According to 
the authorities, the TFA provisions/obligations have been transpos ed into the 2018 Amendment ( Law 
No. 33 of 2018). The authorities further indicate that almost all TFA provisions have been 
implemented.  
3.4.  On 29  November  2021, Jordan Customs launched the Jordan Trade Facilitation Portal, an online 
platform publishing all information, including Customs legislation, procedures, and paperwork, for 
all goods imported to, exported from, or transit ing through Jordan.2 A query facility on applied tariff 
is available on the Trade Portal for public reference.3 According to the authorities, any changes 
regarding to Customs legislations and procedures follow the same public -private consultation 
process as the one used for any policy formulation in Jordan.  
3.5.  Anyone, whether  Jordanian and non-Jordanian , wanting to import or export goods across 
Jordanian border s at a commercial scale must first register with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and 
Supply (MITS) as a commercial trader. For a commercial trader, foreign equity must not 
exceed  50%. Upon registration, the trader acq uires an Importer Card and/or an Exporter Card, 
which carr ies a unique number identifying the trader and facilitate s Customs procedures. 
Commercial -scale imports not through a registered trader are possible, but subject to a penalty 
charged at 2.5% of the c.i.f. value of the imports. According to the authorities, natural persons are 
not eligible for an Importer  or Exporter Card.  
3.6.  All imports, both commercial and non-commercial4, must be declared when entering Jordan. 
During the review period, the value thre sholds for non -commercial imports including the ones 
through postal packages, remained unchanged at JOD  1,000. For imports below this value, Customs 
may apply a simplified procedure; however, Customs officers have discretion to reinstate the normal 
procedu re depending on the classification of the declared goods.  
3.7.  A declaration of commercial imports must be filed electronically on the ASYCUDA World system, 
the single window that began its operation in March 2018 . A pre -arrival declaration is encouraged 
to be lodged before cargo arrival.5 Customs declaration, in general, must include the commercial 
invoice6 and the certificate of origin. As provided by the 2018 Amendment, the requirement for 
 
1 WTO documents WT/PCTF/N/ JOR/1, 18 September  2014; and G/TFA/N/ JOR/1, 7 June 2018.  
2 Jordan Trade Facilitation Portal. Viewed  at: https://tradeportal.customs.gov.jo/?l=en .  
3 Jordan Trade Facilitation Portal, Customs Integrated Tariff. Viewed  at: 
https://services.customs.gov.jo/JCcit s/sections.aspx .  
4 Non-commercial imports include those of personal effects or of small parcels by post.  
5 For entry from seaports,  a manifest may be submitted to Customs 72  hours prior to shipment arrival; 
for entry at  the airport, a manifest may be submitted six hours in advance.  
6 It is not necessary for an i nvoice  to be in Arabic, but the importer is required to provide an Arabic 
translation. Typically, this requirement is met by having the importer hand -write the t ranslation on the invoice.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 32 - 
 
  Consularization or legalization of invoices by the Jordanian Consular Missions or the Chambers of 
Commerce was abolished.7 
3.8.  Declaration must be lodged by the owners of t he goods (or their representatives) or by a 
licensed customs broker. According to the authorities, using customs brokers is voluntary. However, 
no foreign firms may import goods in Jordan without appointing an agent registered with Jordan 
Customs; therefor e, using a customs broker is necessary for temporary admission and for transit.  
3.9.  According to the authorities, risk profiling for imports is conducted with ASYCUDA World. Based 
on their risk profiles, goods may be cleared from Customs through one of three c hannels: the red 
channel for high -risk goods that need to be examined8; the yellow channel for medium -risk goods, 
requiring additional documentation, and possible further examining the goods; and the green 
channel, for goods deemed risk -free and which may be released immediately without document 
verification or inspection.  
3.10.  Upon payment of Customs duties and other internal taxes (Section  3.1.4), traders then apply 
for release of imports from Customs custody. According to the authorities, the average time of  
release is four days. The authorities indicate that further reforms on customs procedures are 
underway with an aim to reducing the average release time for goods to shorter than three days.  
3.11.  With regard to perishable goods, the 2018 Amendment allows the si mplified procedures to be 
applicable – Jordan Customs may provisionally release the perishable goods under bond, pending 
submission of original documents including import licences. Importers may ship multiple 
consignments to Jordan using the same import li cence until its expiration date or quantity filled.  
3.12.  Jordan does not operate an Authorized Economic Operator s (AEOs) scheme. Instead, a 
"Golden List" programme has been in operation since 2005.9 Registered traders with low risks and 
strong records of compl iance may apply for a status on the Golden List; traders on the list may 
benefit from trade facilitation privileges such as reduced Customs controls (i.e. fewer documentation 
check s and physical inspection s), priority treatment, and choice of time and venu es for Customs 
controls.  
3.13.  Transit goods, in general, are prohibited from being stored except in free zones or the Aqaba 
Special Economic Zone. However, under justified circumstances and upon payment of guarantees, 
transit goods may be authorized to store in  public storage facilities for 90 days.  
3.14.  According to the authorities, Customs valuation is based on the WTO  Agreement on 
Implementation of Art icle VII of the GATT  1994 (Customs Valuation Agreement) . Transaction values 
are the primary basis for customs valu e determination. The transaction values used are c.i.f. values. 
Customs will perform value verification based on risk profiling. In the event of disagreement with 
Customs regarding  the transaction value, Customs will determine the value using the methods i n 
the order prescribed by the  Customs Valuation Agreement. According to the authorities, most import 
declaration s were accepted in accordance with the traction value method.  
3.15.  Effective on 20  November  2020, Jordan Customs provides binding advance rulings wi th 
traders, upon request, on matters of classification and origin. An advance ruling is valid for one year 
from the date of issuance.  
3.16.  Jordan does not have a preshipment inspection requirement.  
3.17.  Appeal s regarding customs matters must be lodged with Customs f or reconsideration within 
19 days of the decision being communicated to the trader. The decision by Customs is final in 
administrative terms. In the case that a trader is not satisfied with  the final decision by Customs, 
the trade r in question can seek jud icial remedy from the Customs Court, and the Customs Court of 
 
7 WTO document G/TFA/W/23, 25  August 2020.  
8 The examination may include documentation verification and physical inspection in an intrusive or 
non-intrusive manner. An intrusive examination could also involve with sampling and la boratory testing.  
9 Jordan Customs, Golden List Program . Viewed  at: 
https://www.customs.gov.jo/en/Golden_List_Progrm_En.aspx .  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 33 - 
 
  Appeal in the second instance. During the review period, 891 contests were registered with Customs , 
110 of which were taken to the Customs Court.  
3.1.2   Rules of origin  
3.18.  Jordan maintains non -preferential and preferential rules of origin. Non -preferential rules of 
origin are applied for the purposes of, inter alia, implementation of anti -dumping and countervailing 
measures, quantitative restrictions, origin marking, and gov ernment procurement. Preferential rules 
of origin are those related provisions set out in reciprocal trade arrangements.  
3.19.  With regard to non -preferential rules, in cases that more than one country is involved in the 
production of a good, the country of orig in is determined as the country where the product has 
undergone it s "last substantial transformation", i.e. where the product underwent its last, 
substantial, economically justified processing or working in an undertaking equipped for that purpose 
and resu lting in the manufacture of a new product or representing an important stage of 
manufacture. Substantial transformation usually has to meet one of the following : 
• the change of HS tariff subheading criterion; or  
• the value -add or ad valorem  criterion.  
3.20.  Working or processing considered insufficient to confer origin "minimal operation" is defined 
in the relevant articles of individual preferential trade arrangements. In general, operations are 
considered "simple" when neither special skills nor  machines, apparatus or tools especially produced 
or installed for those operations are required. Operations such as preserving operations to ensure 
that a product remains in good condition during transport and storage, breaking up and assembly 
of packages , simple mixing of products, simple assembling of parts are considered as insufficient 
operations.10 
3.21.  Jordan's preferential rules of origin vary among different reciprocal trade arrangements. 
However, there are general rules that are applied in most cases; exceptions for application of the 
"general rules" differ from trade arrangements. According to the authorities, a large proportion of 
Jordanian preferential rules share common features in the general provisions and in the list rules.  
3.22.  Most preferential rule s of origin only allow bilateral cumulation of preference, except for the 
PAN-EURO -MED Convention where diagonal cumulation is feasible. Effective 1  September  2022, 
non-originating materials may not exceed 15% of the value of imported goods in order to mai ntain 
their preferences, compared to 10% before.  
3.1.3   Tariffs  
3.1.3.1   MFN bound and applied tariff  
3.23.  All MFN tariff lines are bound, with a simple average rate of bound tariffs at 16.3%: 24.1% 
for agricultural products (WTO definition), and 15.2% for non -agricultural pro ducts. There are 
significant differences in the simple average rates between the bound and the MFN applied tariffs, 
notably in the HS sections of hides and skins, mineral products, plastic and rubber, textiles, and 
footwear and headwear . Their simple avera ge bound rates are six times higher than  their 
corresponding MFN rates (Chart  3.1). The nomenclature of the bound schedule is HS17.  
 
10 Instruction of Defin ing Jordanian Origin,  Section  6. WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 34 - 
 
  Chart 3.1 Simple average applied MFN and bound tariff rates, by HS section, 2023  
 
Note:  Averages excluding AVEs.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on information provided by the authorities.  
3.24.  The applied tariff schedule may be amended by a decision of the Council of Ministers, upon 
the recommendations of the Customs Tari ff Council, composed of ministers from the Ministry of 
Finance (as the Chairperson) and the MITS. During the review period, Jordan took steps to reform 
its MFN applied tariff schedule, with an aim of revitalizing the economy as well as reducing 
smuggling11 (by lowering tariff tax burden) . In 2020, some tariff lines subject to high ad valorem  
rates (180% and 200%) were converted to specific duties; in 2022, the tariff structure was 
significantly simplified, with almost all tariff lines (99%) falling into 4 bands of ad valorem  rates, 
compared to 16 bands before.  
3.25.  The nomenclature of MFN applied tariff and preferential tariffs for 2023 are HS22. The 
2023 MFN schedule contains a total of 6,997 lines at the 8-digit level, among which 99% of total 
lines with a rate not higher than 25% : 54.7% of total lines are duty -free; 35.7% are rated at 5%; 
8.8% a re rated at 25% . Twenty lines bear rates higher than 25% (Chart  3.2).12 
3.26.  Almost all tariff lines are at ad valorem  rates. There are no seasonal duties or tariff quotas in 
operation. Thirty -six tariff lines are at non -ad valorem  rates, most of which cover ag ricultural 
products; the number of lines with non -ad valorem  rates in 2015 was eight. The increase in the 
number of lines with non -ad valorem  rates resulted from the tariff schedule revision in 2020 when 
specific rates , rather than ad valorem  rates, were a ssigned to 28 lines of alcoholic beverages. Based 
on the available trade statistics for 2022, the majority of the ad valorem  equivalents (AVEs) of these 
lines are lower than 150%, compared to 180% or 200% at the ad valorem  rates before. The 
exceptions were  three lines of wines with a value lower than JOD  4 per  litre 
(i.e. HS lines 220421000, 220430100, and 220870900); the AVEs for these three lines were higher 
than 200%.13 
 
11 See the Government Economic Priorities Program 2021 -2023 (EPP) (Section  2.2).  
12 According to the authorities, from 1 January  2025 to 31  December  2026, the 25% rate will be 
reduced to 20% , and to 15% a s of 1  January  2027, i.e. the MFN applied tariff will have three categories: 
duty-free, 5%, and 15%.  See IMF (2022), Jordan: Staff Report for the Article  IV Consultation , IMF Country 
Report No. 22/221 , pp. 9 -10. 
13 The corresponding bound rates for these three lin es are 200% at ad valorem . 
0%5%10%15%20%25%30%35%40%45%
Live animals & prod.
Vegetable products
Fats and oils
Prepared food, etc.
Mineral prod.
Chemicals & prod.
Plastic & rubber
Hides & skins
Wood & articles
Pulp, paper, etc.
Textiles & articles
Footwear, headgear
Articles of stone
Precious stones, etc.
Base metals & prod.
Machinery
Transport equipment
Precision instruments
Arms & ammunition
Misc. manufactures
Works of art, etc.
TotalMFN (HS22) Bound (HS17)Chart 3.2   Simple average applied MFN and bound tariff rates, by HS section, 2022
Note:   Averages excluding AVEs.
Source:   WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities.WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 35 - 
 
  Chart 3.2 Frequency distribution of MFN tariff rates, 2023  
(Number of tariff lines)  
 
Note:  Figures in parentheses above the bars denote the share in total tariff lines.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculation, based on data provided by the authorities  
3.27.  During the review period, the simple average applied MFN tariff decreased significantly 
from 10.2% in 2015 to 4% in 2023: 8.9% for WTO -defined agricultural products (down from 16.8% 
in 2015)14, and 3.3% for WTO -defined non -agricultural goods ( down from  9.1% in 2015) (Table  3.1). 
The authorities note that the big decline in the average applied tariff rates reflected Jordan's efforts 
in its tariff reforms , including lowering rates and simplifying the structure, as effective on 
12 January  2022.  
Table 3.1 Structure of the tariff schedules, 2015 and 2023  
 
2015 (HS12)  2023 (HS22)  
Total number of tariff lines  6,676  6,997  
 Ad valorem  duties (>0%)  3,169  3,137  
 Duty-free lines  3,499  3,824  
 Non-ad valorem duties  8 36 
Non-ad valorem  tariffs (% of all tariff lines)  0.1 0.5 
Non-ad valorem  with no AVEs (% of all tariff lines)  0.1 0.5 
Lines subject to tariff quotas (% of all tariff lines)  0 0 
Duty-free tariff lines (% of all tariff lines)  52.4 54.7 
Dutiable lines tariff average rate (%)  21.4 8.9 
Simple average tariff (%)  10.2 4.0 
 WTO agriculture (%)  16.8 8.8 
 WTO non -agriculture (incl. petroleum) (%)  9.1 3.3 
Domestic tariff "peaks" (% of all tariff lines)  0.4 9.2 
International tariff "peaks" (% of all tariff lines)  33.6 5.5 
Overall standard deviation  15.3 9.0 
Bound tariff lines (% of all tariff lines)  100 100 
Note:  The table is an analysis based on the tariff schedule excluding the 36 lines without ad  valorem rates.  
Therefore no AVEs were taken into account.  
 Domestic tariff peaks are defined as those exceeding three times the overall average applied rate.  
 International tariff peaks are defined as those exceeding 15%.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on information  provided by the authorities.  
3.28.  On the 2023 tariff schedule, the highest applied ad valorem  rate at 150% is applicable to 
tobacco and its products, making the simple average rate across the WTO -defined agricu ltural lines 
equal to 8.8%. All 36 tariff lines with non -ad valorem  rates cover the same group of products, such 
as beer, wine, and spirits. Taking  into account the AVEs of these lines, the simple average rate of 
WTO-define d agricultural products is 13.6%.  For non -agricultural goods that are subject to 
 
14 The 28 lines of alcoholic beverages with specific rates were excluded.  
(54.7%)
(35.7%)
(3.6%)(5.2%)
(0.1%) (0.2%) (0.5%)
05001,0001,5002,0002,5003,0003,5004,0004,500
Duty free 5% 15% 25% 45% >45 Specific dutiesNumber of lines (% of total)Chart 3.1
Frequency distribution of MFN tariff rates, 2022
Number of tariff lines
Source: WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities.Note:   Figures in parenthesis above the bars denote the share in total tariff lines.
a   The total number of lines is 6,997.WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 36 - 
 
  non-zero-rated tariffs, most products are subject to a rate of 5% , while the highest rate of 25% is 
applicable to, inter alia, building materials (e.g. marble, cement, ceramics), metal products 
(e.g. iron/steel bars and rods, aluminium bars and rods), household appliances (e.g. refrigerators , 
freezers, washing machines, water heater s), and motor vehicles (Table  3.2). 
Table 3.2 Summary analysis of Jordan M FN tariff, 2023  
 
Applied MFN  Bound range 
(%) No. of 
lines  Average 
(%) Range (%)  Coefficient of 
variation (C oV) 
Total  6,997  4.0 0 – 150 2.3 0 – 200 
HS 01 -24 1,149  7.9 0 – 150 2.3 0 – 200 
HS 25 -97 5,848  3.3 0 – 25 1.7 0 – 36.4 
By WTO category  
WTO agriculture  950 8.8 0 – 150 2.3 0 – 200 
 – Animals and products thereof  127 6.1 0 – 25 1.0 5 – 30 
 – Dairy products  26 3.8 0 – 25 1.8 0 – 30 
 – Fruit, vegetables and plants  269 10.7 0 – 25 0.9 5 – 91.8 
 – Coffee and tea  27 4.1 0 – 15 1.3 5 – 30 
 – Cereals and preparations  116 5.5 0 – 25 1.3 0 – 80 
 – Oil seeds, fats and oils and 
their Products  101 3.7 0 – 25 1.9 5 – 30 
 – Sugars and confectionery  20 2.5 0 – 15 1.8 5 – 30 
 – Beverages, spirits and tobacco  103 41.5 0 – 150 1.4 5 – 200 
 – Cotton  5 0.0 0 - 5 – 10 
 – Other agricultural products  156 2.0 0 – 5 1.2 0 – 30 
WTO non-agriculture (incl. 
petroleum)  6,047  3.3 0 – 25 1.7 0 – 36.4 
 – WTO Non -agriculture (excl. 
petroleum)  6,033  3.3 0 – 25 1.7 0 – 36.4 
 – – Fish and fishery products  266 2.9 0 – 5 0.9 10 – 30 
 – – Minerals and metals  1,173  5.0 0 – 25 1.5 0 – 30 
 – – Chemicals and photographic 
supplies  1,163  1.1 0 – 25 2.5 0 – 30 
 – – Wood, pulp, paper and 
furniture  404 4.6 0 – 25 1.7 0 – 30 
 – – Textiles  615 1.7 0 – 25 2.2 0 – 30 
 – – Clothing  211 5.6 0 – 15 0.4 5 – 20 
 – – Leather, rubber, footwear 
and travel goods  181 2.5 0 – 5 1.0 5 – 30 
 – – Non-electric machinery  744 2.8 0 – 25 2.1 0 – 30 
 – – Electric machinery  431 3.8 0 – 25 1.5 0 – 30 
 – – Transport equipment  304 5.1 0 – 25 1.7 0 – 30 
 – – Non-agriculture articles  541 3.6 0 – 25 0.7 0 – 36.4 
 – Petroleum  14 6.1 0 – 15 0.8 10 – 20 
By HS section  
  01  Live animals & prod.  403 3.5 0 – 25 1.1 0 – 30 
  02  Vegetable products  361 6.8 0 – 25 1.2 0 – 91.8 
  03  Fats & oils  63 5.3 0 – 25 1.6 5 – 30 
  04  Prepared food etc.  322 15.9 0 – 150 2.0 0 – 200 
  05  Minerals  165 2.6 0 – 25 1.9 5 – 30 
  06  Chemical & prod.  1,054  1.1 0 – 25 2.7 0 – 30 
  07  Plastics & rubber  299 1.9 0 – 5 1.3 5 – 30 
  08  Hides & skins  73 2.5 0 – 5 1.0 5 – 30 
  09  Wood & articles  212 2.4 0 – 25 1.7 5 – 30 
  10  Pulp, paper etc.  171 3.7 0 – 25 1.6 0 – 30 
  11  Textile & articles  813 2.6 0 – 15 1.4 5 – 20 
  12  Footwear, headgear  50 4.8 0 – 25 0.7 20 – 30 
  13  Articles of stone  187 5.5 0 – 25 1.2 0 – 30 
  14  Precious stones, etc.  64 4.3 0 – 5 0.4 5 – 30 
  15  Base metals & prod.  756 5.7 0 – 25 1.5 0 – 30 
  16  Machinery  1,186  3.0 0 – 25 1.8 0 – 30 
  17  Transport equipment  316 5.1 0 – 25 1.7 0 – 30 
  18  Precision equipment  288 3.1 0 –5 0.8 0 – 30 
  19  Arms and ammunition  22 5.0 5 0.0 10 – 30 
  20  Miscellaneous manuf.  167 8.3 0 –25 1.1 0 – 36.4 
  21  Works of art, etc.  25 4.4 0 – 5 0.4 15 – 30 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on information  provided by the authorities.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 37 - 
 
  3.1.3.2   Preferential tariff s 
3.29.  Jordan offers preferential tariffs to its trading partners with which it has preferential 
agreements (Section  2.3.2 and Table  2.4). Duty -free market access for these trading partners 
covers more than 90% of Jordanian total tariff lines, compared to 54.7% o n the MFN schedule. The 
simple average tariff rates of these preferential schedules were below 1% in 2022, except the one 
with the European Free Trade Association ( EFTA) members. The preferential tariff rates for 
non-agricultural goods were almost 0% under  these preferential agreements, while the simple 
average tariff rates for agricultural products were below 3%, except the ones with EFTA members 
and with Singapore (Table  3.3). Tariffs remain high mainly for beverages, spirits, and tobacco ; and 
for animals  and their products.  
Table 3.3 Summary analysis of preferential tariffs, 2022  
 
Total lines  WTO definition  
Agricultural products  Non-agricultural products  
Average rate  
(%) Duty -free 
(%) Average rate  
(%) Duty -free 
(%) Average rate  
(%) Duty -free 
(%) 
MFN 4.0 54.7 8.8 40.3 3.3 56.9 
Preferential agreements  
PAFTA  0.4 98.5 2.7 92.8 0.1 99.4 
Agadir  0.4 98.5 2.7 92.8 0.1 99.4 
Canada  0.4 99.1 2.7 93.5 0.0 100.0  
United  States  0.4 98.9 2.6 93.7 0.0 99.8 
European  Union  0.5 96.9 2.9 92.7 0.1 97.5 
United  Kingdom  0.5 96.9 2.9 92.7 0.1 97.5 
EFTA 1.2 90.4 8.0 45.9 0.1 97.4 
Singapore  0.6 97.7 3.7 85.8 0.1 99.6 
Note:  WTO-defined non -agricultural goods include tariff lines of petroleum.  
 The figures of the average rates do not include 36 lines with specific duties.  
 The columns of duty -free rates represent the duty -free lines ' shares of the corresponding tariff 
schedules.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on information  provided by the authorities.  
3.1.4   Other taxes and charges affecting imports  
3.1.4.1   Other duties and charges  
3.30.  Jordan Customs collects a number of services allowances on commercial imports, including 
(i) an import processing fee, which is levied at the rate of 0.2% of t he transaction value, with a 
minimum of JOD  50 and maximum of JOD  500 per declaration; and (ii) a transit or re -export fee of 
JOD 50 per transaction.  
3.31.  Effective on 25  February  2021, the Customs fee for a small postal parcel valued at less than 
JOD 200 is si mplified to be charged at 10% ad valorem ; previously , specific rates were charged: 
JOD 5 for a parcel with a value less than JOD  50, and JOD  10 for a parcel with a value less than 
JOD 100.15 
3.32.  Goods owners are also subject to charges of storage, handling, insurance, and other services 
needed for the storing and examination of the goods while they are in Customs custody. The storage 
charges must not exceed 50% of the estimated value of the goods. In addition, accordin g to the 
Import and Export Licence and Card Regulation No.  114 for 2004, the MITS charges JOD  10 for 
issuing an import licence. Importers must pay the cost of complying with specific SPS - and 
TBT-related measures.  
3.1.4.2   Internal taxes collected at the border  
3.33.  Certain imported goods are subject to a General Sales Tax (GST) and a Special Sales Tax 
(SST). According to the authorities, these taxes are equally applied to domestically produced goods 
and imports. Both the GST and SST are assessed on the value of goods; f or imports, they are based 
 
15 Prime Ministerial Resolution No.  1356.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 38 - 
 
  on the c.i.f. value plus Customs duties and charges. The authorities further indicate that no taxes 
other than the GST and the SST are payable at Jordan's external border.  
3.34.  During the review period, the framework of the GST was ov erhauled. The purpose of the GST 
reforms was to revitalize the economy through lowering the tax burden on business, according to 
the authorities. The standard GST rate remains at 16% for most goods and services liable for the 
tax; in February  2017, the red uced rate of 8% was abolished16, while new reduced rates of 2%, 5%, 
and 10% were introduced on top of the original 4% reduced rate.  
3.35.  As of 2020, the GST for 76 products were zero -rated, up from 58 products in 2017.17 Goods 
enjoying zero -rated GST include ag riculture inputs and machineries (e.g. veterinary products, 
fertilizers, tractors), inputs and capital goods for the pharmaceutical industry, poultry and poultry 
parts, and fuels. Raw foods including fruits and vegetables are mostly subject to the GST at t he 
reduced rate of 2% or 4%; processed food is subject to the reduced rate of 5%; the GST for edible  
meats and animal products is charged at the reduced rate of 10%.  In addition, 41 goods are 
exempted from GST (down from 79 products in 2017). GST -exempted goods include staple foods 
(e.g. wheat, bread, olive oil), fresh or frozen poultry, cell phone s including smartphones, tourist cars 
or coaches, and prepared meals. As response to the cost -of-living crisis, the GST on package 
materials for table eggs was lowered from 8% to 4% in 2020; effective 27  March  2022, the GST on 
confectioneries was reduced from 16% to 5%, and the GST on cooking oils was temporarily 
zero-rated from April  2022 to the end of the year.  
3.36.  According to the authorities, the GST Law was amende d again in 2022,  introducing the 
concept of supply in the Amendment, thus the tax liability is no longer on the sales of goods and 
services, but instead on their supply.  
3.37.  The SST, which may be considered as an excise, is levied on, inter alia, cars, tobacco  and 
tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, and mobile phone and radio subscription services. Effective 
8 February  2017, the SST for cigarettes was increased. Additionally , soft drinks are now subject to  
the SST at  a 10% ad valorem  rate. 
3.38.  According to the authorities, on average tax revenues contributed to around 70% of the 
Government's total revenues each year during the review period, while taxes on international trade 
that are collected at the border accounted for around 25% of total tax  revenues each year on 
average.  
3.39.  Regarding taxes on international trade, the G ST accounted for more than 75% of tax collected 
at the border each year during the review period. Customs tariffs, together with the customs service 
allowance, contributed about 2 0% on average each year to the tax revenue from international trade 
and 5% of total tax revenue (Table  3.4). 
Table 3.4 Government revenues, by source , 2016 -22 
(JOD million)   
2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  2022  
Total tax revenues  4,254.3  4,343.6  4,535.6  4,680.8  4,958.6  5,626.9  6,047.9  
Income tax  944.7  938.0  965.0  1,020.2  1,103.6  1,179.6  1,548.2  
Corporate income tax  750.8  742.7  762.3  785.7  773.8  802.8  1,094.6  
Individual income tax  193.9  195.3  202.8  234.5  263.9  276.8  328.2  
Real estate tax  114.8  107.7  93.0 81.6 46.8 70.6 99.5 
Sales tax  2,883.8  2,993.5  3,184.6  3,302.4  3,533.9  4,038.7  4,167.5  
Sales tax on services  499.8  470.0  522.3  528.0  408.4  458.5  569.1  
Sales tax on commercial sector  750.8  809.0  885.1  1,000.5  1,033.5  1,222.3  1,213.6  
Sales tax on domestic goods  608.9  677.0  804.8  892.0  1,211.9  1,267.4  1,236.0  
Sales tax on imported goods  1,024.3  1,038.0  972.3  882.0  880.1  1,090.5  1,148.7  
Tariffs and customs fees  296.7  286.1  265.5  252.5  256.8  315.1  210.4  
Other tax revenues  14.3 18.3 27.5 24.1 17.5 22.9 22.3 
Other revenues  1,964.1  2,362.2  2,398.4  2,276.1  1,272.1  1,690.4  2,069.1  
Total government revenues  6,233.6  6,717.4  6,944.9  6,965.9  6,238.1  7,324.9  8,121.9  
Source:  WTO Secretariat, based on various Jordan Customs Annual Reports.  
 
16 The reduced rate of 8% remained for overnight stays in hotels (except for hotels in the Aqaba SEZ) 
and for constr uction iron and iron  scraps.  
17 Before 2017, 102 products enjoyed zero -rated GST.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 39 - 
 
  3.1.5   Anti-dumping, countervailing, and safeguard measures  
3.40.  During the review period, the legislative and institutional framework on contingency measures 
remained largely unchanged. The main legislation is the National Production Protection Law No.  21 
of 2004, together with the Regulations on Safeguard of National Production No.  55 of 2000, and the 
Anti-dumping and Anti -Subsidies Regulation No.  26 of 2003.  
3.41.  Domestic stakeholders may submit petitions for trade remedy measures to the National 
Production Protection Directorate of the MITS, or through the Ministry of Agriculture in the case of 
agricultural products.18 Investigations may be terminated, or provisional measures may be impose d; 
final measures are subject to approval by the Council of Ministers and can be appealed to the High 
Court of Justice.  
3.42.  During the review period, Jordan notified to the WTO that it has not taken any anti -dumping 
or countervailing actions.  
3.43.  During the review  period, Jordan notified to the WTO regarding  safeguard investigations on 
aluminium bars, rods , and profile, and on prepared/preserved potato es and potato chips. The 
investigation on aluminium bars, rods , and profile began on 24  July 2016, and led to a def initive 
measure being imposed in the form of specific surcharges for a three -year period 
(15 May 2017-25 October  2019). The safeguard measure ended  on 28  October  2019.19 The 
investigation on prepared/preserved potato es and potato chips was initiated on 1  September  2019 
and terminated on 14  May 2020. No safeguard measure was imposed.20 
3.44.  In addition, safeguard measures against writing and printing paper, and against iron/steel 
bars and rods were terminated on 3  November  201521 and 15  December  201522, respectiv ely. 
3.45.  It is Jordan's practice to revise the list of developing Members excluded from the imposition 
of a safeguard measure. At the time of drafting this report, no safeguard measures were in force.  
3.1.6   Import prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing  
3.46.  The import  control regime (i.e. prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing) is governed by the 
Import and Export Law No.  21 of 2001. The Import and Export Licences and Card Regulation No.  114 
for 2004 and its amendments do not apply to the free zones. The Law, the Re gulations, and their 
amendments  are not applicable to free zones including the Aqaba SEZ. 
3.47.  Jordan's last notification of quantitative restrictions was in 2009.23 
3.1.6.1   Import prohibitions  
3.48.  According to the authorities, import prohibitions are imposed on products o n the grounds of 
public safety and moral s, protection of human life and the environment, and compliance with 
Jordan's  international obligations.  
3.49.  Products subject to import prohibitions have remained largely unchanged since the last Review 
in 2016. Effective on 9  October  2015, importation of motorcycle chassis was banned on the concern 
of human safety (Table  3.5). 
 
18 Petitions for trade remedy measures on agriculture products may be submitted directly to the 
National Production Protection Directorate as well. Jordan does not have the ri ght to invoke the Special 
Agricultural Safeguard  provided by the WTO  Agreement on Agriculture.  
19 WTO document G/SG/N/8/JOR/10/Suppl.5, 29  October 2019.  
20 WTO document G/SG/N/9/JOR/10, 18  May 2020.  
21 WTO document G/SG/N/ 8/JOR/ 9/Suppl.1, G/SG/N/10/JOR/ 9/Suppl.1, G/SG/N/1 1/JOR/ 5/Suppl.1, 
20 November  2015.  
22 WTO document G/SG/N/10/JOR/8/ Suppl.2, 6 January  2016.  
23 WTO document G/MA/NTM/QR/1/Add.12, 3  May 2011.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 40 - 
 
  Table 3.5 Import prohibitions, 2023  
Products  Rationale  
Plastic waste  Environmental protection  
Diesel powered saloon cars  Environmental protection  
Tractors older than one year  Safety of public transport  
Khat Public health  
Coral  Protect marine life from extinction  
Hexavalent chromium except for paint and coating industry use  Public health, environmental 
protection  
Fireworks (certain kinds)  Safety  
Toy guns shooting bead bullets  Public health, safety  
Laser pens and other laser medals  Public health, safety  
Holy water (Baptism water)  Religious reasons  
Additional installations on cars, including calling devices and flashers  Security protection, safety  
Photo blocker spray  Safety and security  
Alarm systems and high -light devices for cars, except when imported 
for the Ministry of Health, Armed forces, Gen eral Intelligence 
Department of Jordan, Public Security Directorate, the Jordanian Civil 
Defence, and Jordan Customs, and ambulances for private hospitals  Safety and security  
Danger alarms, bells, gongs and the like , flash-lamp Safety and security  
Doll t hat resembles the living organism, consisting of human genes and 
animals  Safety  
Arcs and cross-bows Safety and security  
Candy in the form of underwear and other forms  Security  
Mosaics  Protection of national artistic and 
historic treasures  
Lighters like pistols  Safety and security  
Freight cars intended for the transport of goods and include (tractors 
and trailer and tractor and semi -trailer), which were manufactured five 
years ago or more, except vehicles manufactured 10 years ago or more 
for private use  Safety of public transport  
Games in the form of balloons and paper (wishing lamp)  Air safety  
Fireworks toy guns  Public safety and security  
Dry plant materials containing substances ( JWH-018, JWH -073) 
manufactured from materials resembling the impact of marijuana and 
hashish  Public health  
Materials with similar effects of marijuana and hashish narcotic  Public health  
Automobiles with tinted glass National security, protection of 
human health and sa fety 
Materials and equipment containing camouflaged cameras and 
apparatus combined with video and/or sound recording  Public safety and security  
Articles used in the manufacturing of illegal narcotic substances  Public health  
Video games presenting pornography  Public safety and security  
Somali charcoal  UN Security Council Resolution  
Chassis of motorcycle  Protection of human health and 
safety  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
3.1.6.2   Import licensing and import restrictions  
3.50.  During the review period, the import licensing regime remained largely unchanged. Jordan 
notified to the WTO in 2016 that 170  products were subject to import licensing requirements, among 
which the licensing requirements for 40  products were a utomatic.24 
3.51.  Import licences include automatic and non -automatic licences. The authorities note that the 
licensing requirements are mainly for statistical purposes as well as to fulfil Jordan's obligations 
under international agreements or to ensure that he alth, safety, environment, national security 
objectives are met. The authorities indicate that if imported goods affect public safety, national 
 
24 WTO document G/LIC/N/3/JOR/3, 5  October 2016.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 41 - 
 
  security, or health and environmental protection, and such goods are subject to quantitative 
restrictions, impor ts of such goods are subject to non-automatic licensing requirements.  
3.52.  Import licences are issued by various authorities, depending  on the goods. All licences issued 
by the MITS are non -automatic, covering 27  products , most of which are chemical products. O ther 
competent authorities for import licensing within their respective responsibilities include the 
Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, the Energy and Mineral Regulatory Commission, the 
Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the Ministry of Agric ulture, the Ministry of Environment, 
the Ministry of Health, and the JFDA. Applications  for a licence must be submitted to the relevant 
licensing authority and demonstrate that statutory conditions for importation of such goods have 
been met. According to the authorities, automatic licences are issued normally within 1 working day 
after submission of all relevant documentation , while non -automatic licences are issued within 
15 working days. A licence fee of JOD  10 is charged to the applicant for each licence issued.  
3.53.  An import licence is valid for one year from its issuance. Import licences are transferable, 
upon consent from the  competent authority. Additionally , a licence may be revoked or cancelled on 
the ground s of violation of the licence conditions or implementation of new/amended legislation.25 
The authorities note that no import licence has been revoked.  
3.1.7   Other measures aff ecting imports  
3.54.  According to the authorities, Jordan does not maintain any trade -related investment measures 
(TRIMs).  
3.2  Measures directly affecting exports  
3.2.1   Customs procedures and requirements  
3.55.  Customs procedures and document requirements for exports are simila r to those applicable 
to imports. Exporters, whether Jordanian or non-Jordanian , must register with the MITS and obtain 
an exporter card. Exporting firms must be members of the Chamber of Commerce or the Chamber 
of Industry in Jordan , and their premises mu st be inspected and approved by the local municipality. 
Jordan Customs maintains a Gold List of exporters, which as trusted traders enjoy benefits of trade 
facilitation measures such as fewer Customs controls and priority treatment.  
3.56.  Rules of origin for exp orts under the FTA with the European  Union  were relaxed on 
19 July 2016, which accord preference to Jordanian export s from 18  designated development zones 
and industrial estates as long as they meet the Syrian refugee employment requirements. Though 
it is not required , a certificate of origin issued by the Jordan Chamber of Industry, or by the Chamber 
of Commerce if for agriculture exports, is in practice encourage d to be obtain ed before shipment 
departure from Jordan.  
3.2.2   Taxes, charges, and levies  
3.57.  Jordan Cust oms operates a duty drawback scheme, which refunds customs duties and taxes 
levied on imported raw materials used in the production of exports, and a temporary admission 
scheme, which gives enterprises manufacturing for exports duty exemptions for their di rect imports, 
and for their imports from the free zones. Customs applies service charge s to exporters, with a rate 
of JOD  30 for each declaration.  
3.58.  The G ST is zero -rated for exports.  
3.59.  Exports of mining and mineral products such as marble, granite, sand, salt , Dead Sea mud, 
and building materials, whether processed or not, are subject to export fees at specific rates up to 
JOD 100 per tonne.26 
 
25 Importation of goods that are con tracted prior to the revocation date of the import licence is possible.  
26 The highest specific rate of export fee is applicable to Dead Sea mud at JOD  100/tonne, while the 
other export fees are not higher than JOD  5/tonne. See Regulation No.  130 of 2019.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 42 - 
 
  3.60.  During the review period of 2016 -22, temporary export duties were imposed on wastepaper,  
and sheet and scrap metal, ac cording to the authorities.  
3.2.3   Export prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing  
3.61.  According to the authorities, Jordan maintains export prohibitions only on the ground s of 
fulfilling its international obligations , such as controls on endangered species of wild fauna and flora 
and non -proliferation of nuclear and chemical weapons. The authorities note that Jordan did not 
maintain any trade sanction measures during the review period.  
3.62.  Export s of products derived from wheat (e.g. flour, c akes, pasta), sugar, rice, and legumes 
are subject to automatic licensing requirements. From 2 January  2018, the automatic licensing 
requirements for exporting flour products (e.g. cakes, cookies) and semolina products (e.g. pasta, 
Moroccan couscous) were abolished. The authorities indicate that the remaining automatic licensing 
requirements are in place on the ground s of inventory management. All export licences, whether 
automatic or non -automatic, are issued by the MITS (Table  3.6). Each export licence is  subject to a 
fee of JOD  5. 
Table 3.6 Export licensing scheme, 2023  
Item  Type of licence  
Wheat products (flour, semolina, bulgur, frike)  Automatic  
Sugar and rice  Automatic  
Legumes (beans, chickpeas, lentils, beans, cowpeas, etc.)  Automatic  
Dual-use materials  Non-automatic  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
3.2.4   Export support and promotion  
3.2.4.1   Free zones and development zones  
3.63.  The legal and institutional framework for free zones and  development zones remained largely 
unchanged during the review period.  
3.64.  Free zones were established to attract foreign investment and to promote export -oriented 
industries and transit trade, inside which firms benefit from tax incentives, streamlined burea ucratic 
procedures, and better quality of infrastructure. Anyone , including the private sector , may establish 
and manage a free zone in accordance with the laws; the management of each  free zone is 
responsible for providing infrastructure and support servi ces for firms inside the respective zone , as 
well as for promoting investment and economic development in the neighbouring region. As of 
end-2022, there were six free zones owned and managed by the Government through the Jordan 
Free Development Zone Group (JFDZ), a state -owned enterprise under the MITS. Also, the Ministry 
of Investment (MOIN) is working closely with the zone management authorities regarding the 
promotion of free zone s. 
3.65.  Both domestic and foreign firms may apply to operate in free zones. Usually, firms operating 
in free zones are in the manufacturing, logistics, pharmaceutical R&D, or business service s sector.  
The r equirement to be a member of the Chamber of Commerce/Indus try is waived for f irms 
operating in free zones; they also enjoy certain incentives such as exemption/reduction of income 
tax for certain activities, exemption/reduction of G ST, discount on land lease and utility cost, and 
other investment facilitation mea sures.27 Land in the government -owned free zones may only be 
leased.28 
 
27 Incentives for free zones are provided for in the Investment Environment Law No.  21 of 2022 and the 
Investment Environment Regulation No.  7 of 2023.  
28 Lands in these privately  owned bonded areas may be purchased regardless of the investor's 
nationality.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 43 - 
 
  3.66.  Free zones are considered outside the customs territory; however, Jordan Customs is present 
in each free zone to ensure compliance. Thus, goods entering the zones are duty -free but subj ect to 
customs duties and formality when leaving the zones for the rest of Jordanian territory.  
3.67.  Development zones are designated areas primarily focused on promoting industrial 
development and manufacturing activities, with an aim to reduce the disparity b etween governorates 
and ensur e the distribution of development gains across Jordan. All development zones are managed 
by the JFDZ. Firms operating in the development zones are mostly manufacturers of textiles and 
garments, pharmaceutical products, food and  beverage s, and plastic s and chemicals.  
3.68.  There are no export performance requirements for firms operating in the development zones, 
and the zones are within the Jordanian customs territory. Before entering the development zones , 
goods must be cleared by Customs, and goods manufactured inside the zones are free ly circulated 
within Jordan. According to the authorities, the Ministry of Investment regulates the work  of the  
development zones. Incentives accorded to firms in the development zones are provided by the 
Investment Environment Law No.  21 of 2022, including exemption of Customs fees on imports of 
materials, machineries, and supplies that are used for the firm's operation, reduction of sales tax for 
the activities within the zones, and reduction of income tax for certain activities.  
3.69.  Qualifying Industrial Zones (QIZs) are designated industrial parks in Egypt and Jordan, as 
part of the peace -supporting initiative for Israel and its bordering countries. QIZs are operated under 
the supervision of Jordan Customs, i.e. Jordanian tariffs are suspended for raw materials for 
production in the zones, and Customs formalities are streamlined. As of end -2022, there were 
13 QIZs operating in Jordan, 10 of which are owned and managed by private companies. The 
majority of firms in the QIZs are in the garment sec tor. According to the authorities, exports by 
firms in the QIZs have gradually shifted towards other markets under FTAs , although the US market 
maintains the top destination , offering duty-free, quota -free treatment to textile products originating 
from QIZ s under the QIZ agreement.  
3.2.4.2   Export promotion  
3.70.  Export promotion has been under the purview of the M OIN since 2015. Export -promotion 
activities cover promotion  through the internet , participation in international trade fairs, market 
research and analysis, and industrial studies.  
3.71.  The Industrial Development Programme (IDP) offers financial and technical assistance to 
Jordanian exporters to develop their export capacities. The IDP is managed by the Jordan Enterprise 
Development Corporation (JEDCO)  and by Jordan Export s. The IDP provides financial assistance in 
the form of grants for  activities such as market research, participation in trade shows  and 
exhibitions, and development of marketing materials .29 The Programme's technical assistance 
include s helping exporters improve production process es and meet international standards.  
3.72.  During the review period, JEDCO launched and managed 10 rounds of small - and 
medium -sized enterprises (SME) support programmes for Jordanian exporters from manufacturing 
and services sectors. The support programmes provided financial and technical assistance , including 
capacity -building relating to SMEs ' readiness to export.  
3.2.4.3   Export finance, insurance, and guarantees  
3.73.  Jordan operates an Export Credit Insurance scheme. Under the scheme, the Jordan Loan 
Guarantee Corporation (JLGC) provides export credit guarantees  to exporters against the risk of 
non-payment by importers and buyers of Jordanian goods. The JLGC guarantees 90% of 
post-shipment export defaults, up to JOD  26 million, caused by any risks covered by the insurance 
contract. It reinsures the guaranteed cap ital through agreements with regional and international 
insurance companies.  
3.74.  During the review period, the JLGC expanded the scale of its export credit insurance operation. 
In 2022, the total amount of credits that JLGC guaranteed stood at JOD  201.8  millio n, up from 
 
29 Effective 1  January  2023, Jordan Export became the sole agency responsible for organizing 
exhibitions outside Jordan.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 44 - 
 
  JOD 54.2 million in 2016. Most of the credits were guaranteed against exports of fertilizers , and 
exporters of chemicals and food also made use of the scheme (Table  3.7). 
Table 3.7 Export credit insurance, by sector, 2016 -22 
(JOD '000) 
 2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  2022  
Total  56,123.7  54,235.9  63,933.7  130,559.4  142,457.9  191,779.9  201,760.4  
(of which %)  
Fertilizers  50 54 45 42 60 71 72 
Food 17 16 22 21 23 16 21 
Chemicals  21 25 21 19 4 6 1 
Textile s & clothing  0.5 4 9 12 4 0.4 1 
Pharmaceuticals  0 1 2 3 7 5 3 
Others  11.5 0 1 3 2 1.6 2 
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
3.75.  In addition, JEDCO may facilitate financing and guarantee schemes of the Islamic 
Development Bank (IDB), the export credit guarantee scheme of  the Inter -Arab Investment 
Guarantee Corporation, or any other organizations.  
3.3  Measures affecting production and trade  
3.3.1   Incentives  
3.76.  Jordan notified to the WTO that its export subsidies schem es were terminated on 
31 December  2018.30 Effective 1  January  2019, concessions of the income tax do not have any 
export performance requirement; previously, profit s or gains from exporting certain local products 
were exempted from income tax. The estimate d forgone revenue was JOD  0.93 million in 2018, the 
last year in which the terminated scheme  was in effect . 
3.77.  Incentives are provided by investment -related law. On 14  January  2023, Investment 
Environment Law No.  21 of 2022 entered into force, repealing Investment Law No.  30 of 2014. 
Investment Environment Regulation No.  7 of 2023, which entered into force on 12  February  2023, 
is the implementation rul e for the Law (Section  2.4). 
3.78.  Tax incentives usually include income tax exemption s or deduction s, tariff duty and customs 
fee exemption s, and sales tax reduction on imported capital goods and input materials. The 
incentives are specific for firms in the fre e zones and development zones (Section  3.2.4.1) , 
depending on the eligibility criteria. With the entry into force of the Investment Environment Law, 
similar incentives are offered for activities outside the free zones and development zones. Tax 
incentives may be granted for up to seven years.  
3.79.  Tax incentives are also accorded to firms that employ at least 250 Jordanian citizens. In 
addition, other incentives such as exemption or discount on rents of public land, and discounted 
prices for energy and water sup plies are available for up to five years for firms that employ at least 
350 Jordanian citizens or female workers accounting for at least 50% of the total labour force.31 
Furthermore, a firm may also benefit from the non -tax incentives if it targets at expo rting at least 
50% of its products, adds local value for at least 50% in production, or engages in projects aiding 
knowledge/technology transfer and digital transformation .32 However , the authorities indicate that 
the export performance and local content r equirements are not mandatory for a firm when applying 
for the non -tax incentives.  
3.3.2   Standards and technical requirements  
3.80.  During the review period, the legal and institutional framework for standards and technical 
regulations remained largely unchanged. The principal legislation remains the Standards and 
Metrology Law No.  22 of 2000; the Law was amended twice in 2015 and 2019, with an aim to 
improve the standards infrastructure in Jordan and to enhance protection of consumers' health and 
 
30 WTO document G/SCM/N/299/JOR/Rev.3, 4  March  2020.  
31 To benefit from these non -tax incentives, at least 50 women must be employed.  
32 See Investment Environment Regulation No.  7 of 2023,  Article  26 (items C, D, and E).  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 45 - 
 
  safety. The amendment s included new provisions on market surveillance, re -exporting of 
non-conforming products out of Jordan, conformity mark and legal metrology, and penalties and 
sanctions.  
3.81.  The J SMO remains the national standardization body responsible for developing, promot ing, 
and implementing standards and metrology activities. The JSMO also is the enquiry point of 
TBT issues for Jordan in the WTO. During the review period, Jordan did not submit any notifications 
to the TBT Committee; its last notification on standard s and technical regulations was submitted in 
September  2012.33 There was no specific trade concern about Jordanian TBT measures raised in the 
TBT Committee.  
3.82.  Any interested party, including foreign parties34, may submit proposal s for national standards 
to the JSMO. Draft standards are prepared by various technical committees and published on the 
JSMO's website for comments for 60  days. If comments are received, the draft is sent back to the 
technical committee for review; the final draft is then forwarded to the JSMO Board of Directors for 
approval and becomes an official standard. The authorities state that the JSMO makes extensive 
references to international standards when formulating standards. After the JSMO Board of Directors 
approves the proposed standard, s ix months is usually given between the final publication and entry 
into force.  
3.83.  The JSMO is authorized to decide whether to approve national standards and technical 
regulations. Technical regulations may also be issued by other government bodies such as the  
Ministry of Environment, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, and the Ministry of 
Health. The authorities indicate that only standards directly affecting human health and safety, 
environmental protection, and national security are deemed mandator y (i.e. designated as technical 
regulations). As of end -2022, there were 737 technical regulations in force, 105 of which were 
adopted during the review period, covering, inter alia, bottled water and mineral water, sports and 
recreational devices and equi pment, photovoltaic system s, and building materials. The authorities 
note that 70% of total technical regulations in force are aligned to international standards or regional 
standards.  
3.84.  Although most of the technical regulations in force in Jordan are desig n-based, the authorities 
note that Jordan since 2010 has explored formulating performance -based technical regulations 
under the "New Approach" where applicable. As of end -2022, the technical regulations for toys, 
electrical appliances, and gas appliances a re formulated under the "New Approach".  
3.85.  Jordan is a member of several international standards organizations, including a member body 
of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO); an associate member of the 
International Electro -technical Committee (IEC) ; a companion standardization body within the 
European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and the European Committee for Electrotechnical 
Standardization (CENELEC); a member in Codex Alimentarius; and an associated member of the 
International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML).  
3.86.  Products subject to technical regulations are required for conformity assessment procedures 
commensurate with the level of risk associated with them.  The authorities are of a view that 
self-declaration of conformity is not sufficient even for products deemed to have medium risk.  
Conformity certificates must be issued by the JSMO, or by a Jordanian -accredited conformity 
assessment body. The Jordanian Accreditation System (JAS) is administered by th e Accreditation 
Unit under the JSMO and is recognized by the Arab Accreditation Cooperation (ARAC) and the 
International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC). As of end -2022, there were 
101 Jordanian laboratories accredited by the  JAS. 
3.87.  Imported prod ucts are subject to inspection, sampling , and testing when necessary, at the 
border. Importers may have their import consignments tested inside Jordan, when necessary, if they 
fail to submit conformity certificates or test reports prior shipment arrival. T hese documents must 
be issued by conformity assessment bodies accredited by accreditation bodies that are Multilateral 
 
33 WTO document G/TBT/N/JOR/47, 27  September  2012.  
34 Foreign parties may participat e in technical committees to develop standards as experts through the 
Chamber of Industry, the Chamber of Commerce, or any other national stakeholders.  In case there is a need 
for voting  in the committee , foreign parties  do not have the right to vote.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 46 - 
 
  Recognition Arrangement  (MLA) signatories of the ILAC/IAF (International Accreditation Forum).35 
Based on the risk profiling by ASYCUDA, import consignment s may be subject to invasive physical 
inspection. In the case of inspection, the JSMO charges a fee of JOD  10 for goods with a value no 
higher than JOD  1,000, and JOD  20 for goods with a value above  JOD 1,000 . The JSMO maintains a 
Complyi ng Trader Programme, separate from the Golden List Program by Jordan Customs, that 
provide s less frequent inspections on consignments with registered importers dependent on their 
status.36 
3.88.  Locally produced goods also are subject to inspection, sampling, an d testing when necessary. 
Market surveillance is carried out by the JSMO's Inspection Department. According to the authorities, 
market surveillance prevent s under -quality products and trademark counterfeits from circulating in 
the market.37 Under the Consu mer Protection Law No.  7 of 2017, the JSMO has the authority to 
sanction firms for misrepresentation or false advertising.  
3.89.  A product that has corresponding national standard may apply to JSMO for a Jordan Quality 
Mark (JQM ). A foreign producer also may apply for a JQM for its products. The JQM is a voluntary 
system for ensuring the quality of products. The JQM certificate is valid for three  years, covering all 
products except for pharmaceuticals and veterinary products. The  authorities note that Jordan has 
not yet introduced the requirement for compliance marking.  
3.90.  Labelling and packaging requirements are issued as technical regulations and voluntary 
standards. Labelling for food and toys must be in Arabic; for other products  the label is in Arabic 
and/or English. The amended law allow s importers to modify the label of non -conforming products 
to comply with labelling requirements.38 
3.91.  For Halal food, labels are in Arabic, or in any other language optionally together with Arabic. 
Where a food product contains components of fat, meat products or meat extracts, gelatine , and 
rennet, this content of animal origin must be illustrated and listed on the label. When using the mark 
"Halal" on the product, the certificate number and  the certification body should be stated on the 
product.  
3.3.3   Sanitary and phytosanitary requirements  
3.92.  During the review period, the legal framework concerning sanitary and phytosanitary 
measures in Jordan were overhauled. The Food Law No.  30 of 2015 entered int o force on 
16 June 2015, repealing the Food Control Law No.  7 of 1997; the Agriculture Law No.  13 of 2015 
entered into force on 16  April 2015, repealing the previous Law on Agriculture No.  44 of 2002.  
3.93.  The Food Law No.  30 of 2015 set out the regulatory fram ework for food safety, establishing 
a range of requirements and standards to ensure food quality and safety; the J FDA is the competent 
authority for enforcing the Law, responsible for monitoring and inspecting food facilities to ensure 
compliance with food  safety standards, investigating food safety incidents and outbreaks, and 
imposing penalties against violation of food safety regulations. The Food Law established a 
traceability principle, requiring businesses to maintain full records to ensure that food products can 
be traced from field to fork.  
3.94.  Import of food products are subject to a licensing requirement. Import licences for special 
food and dietary supplements and for food additives are automatic; importation of formula milk 
powders, baby food, and co mplementary foods is subject to non -automatic licensing. Importers must 
apply to the JFDA for licences.  
3.95.  The JFDA operates a Jordan Electronic National Food Safety Information System (JENFSIS) to 
track and control the safety of food products. JENFSIS tracks  information about ingredients, 
production processes, storage conditions, and distribution channels, allowing the monitoring of food 
safety and quality parameters (e.g. pesticide and hormone residues, and microbial contamination). 
 
35 WTO document G/TBT/N/JOR/4, 17  March  2008.  
36 Regulations on Complying Trade Programme No.  4 of 2015.  
37 Regulations on Market Surveillance No.  4 of 2017.  
38 Most cases of non -conformity of labelling are due to incorrect labelling or missing information, 
according to the authorities.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 47 - 
 
  JENFSIS also allows for t he rapid exchange of information between government agencies responsible 
for food safety, including the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture.  
3.96.  The new Agriculture Law No.  13 of 2015 modernized the regulatory framework for animals 
and animal pr oducts, as well as for plants and plant products. The Law provides quality control 
measures for agricultural products to ensure compliance with the established quality standards; the 
Law also aims to promote sustainable agriculture and protect the environm ent. 
3.97.  Under Agriculture Law No.  13 of 2015, the Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for setting 
import regulations and standards for animal and animal products. Imports of animals and animal 
products are subject to non -automatic licensing by the Ministry . Imports must be accompanied by a 
veterinary certificate issued in the country of origin. In the case of importing animal products as 
food, a food safety certificate issued by the competent authority of the exporting country is also 
required. Meat imports  must be sourced from establishments pre -approved by the Ministry.  
3.98.  Imports of live animals or their products are subject to quarantine procedures, which include 
risk assessment studies before importation, pre - and post -import quarantine. Veterinary quarant ine 
procedures are stipulated in Veterinary Quarantine Regulations No.  Z/21 of 2018, in accordance with 
Articles  46, 50, and 51 of Agriculture Law No.  13 of 2015. Exceptions from quarantine requirements 
may be granted for shipments from exporting countries  or regions with disease -free status according 
to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, founded as OIE ). 
3.99.  The regulatory framework for plants and plant products is similar to the one for animals and 
animal products. Importers must apply for an imp ort permit from the Ministry of Agriculture prior to 
the shipment departing from the country of origin. Imports permits are administered through 
licensing. Automatic licensing is applicable for fresh fruits and vegetables, potatoes, onions and 
garlic, sapl ings of fruit seedlings, ornamental plants and cut flowers, honey, natural beeswax, and 
pollen. Others are subject to non -automatic licensing.  
3.100.   Imports of plants and plant products must be accompanied with phytosanitary certificates 
issued by the competent authorities of the exporting country. Imports of plants and their products 
are subject to quarantine requirements, as stipulated in Plant Quarantine Regulations No.  Z/2 
of 2003.  
3.101.   Jordan maintains maximum residue  levels (MRLs) for hormones and for pesticides . The MRLs 
are established by the JSMO, in consultation with the JFDA and the Ministry of Agriculture. According 
to the authorities, the JSMO generally adopts MRLs that are consistent with international standards 
and recommendations , such as those established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.  
3.102.   The Regulation for Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) requires that all GMO 
products must be evaluated and approved by the National Biosafety Committee (NBC) before they 
can b e imported into Jordan. Importation of genetically modified crops that are intended to release 
into the environment (for cultivation) is prohibited. However, importation of goods containing GMOs 
as ingredients is possible. The JFDA is responsible for regul ating the safety of GMO foods and their 
products. GMO products must clearly be labelled with the phrase "genetically modified", and 
ingredients must be listed on the labels.  
3.103.   Testing and inspection at the border are conducted by Customs, the Ministry of Agr iculture, 
and the JFDA. Inspection procedures are in accordance with International Sanitary and Phytosanitary 
Measures (ISPM), Codex, and national standards. The JFDA charges importers JOD  30 for the 
inspection and testing of each sample (physical, chemica l, or microbiological test). Physical and 
sensory inspection is on the spot. Laboratory testing takes between 24 hours and 1  week. If a 
consignment is not in conformity with SPS requirements, it will be re -exported during a period 
specified by the Director -General of the JFDA (two months) or destroyed.  
3.104.   The Ministry of Agriculture is the national enquiry point and national notification authority 
for Jordan in the WTO SPS Committee. During the review period,  Jordan notified 1 regular and 
11 emergency measures . The authorities indicate that emergency measures continue to be valid 
until the affected country returns to risk-free status according to international standards ( WOAH , 
International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) , and Codex). The regular measure not ification was WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 48 - 
 
  on resuming importation of poultry and poultry products following an OIE standard.39 Jordan also 
provided an addendum to its notified measure, providing additional information. The European  Union 
reiterated its trade concern in the WTO SPS Co mmittee about the BSE -related import restrictions on 
beef by a number of Members including Jordan.40 
3.105.   Jordan is a member of the Codex Alimentarius Commission and the WOAH, and a contracting 
party to the I PPC. The authorities state that SPS requirements in J ordan are based on international 
standards. According to the authorities, national standards and technical regulations comply 
completely with international standards in food safety  and animal and plant health. In case there is 
any conflict between national  requirements and international standards, international standards 
prevail.  
3.3.4   State trading, state -owned enterprises, and privatization  
3.3.4.1   State trading activities  
3.106.   Jordan's latest notification on state trading enterprises was submitted in July  2003.41 In this 
notification, the authorities identified that the Jordan Petroleum Refinery Co. Ltd (JPRCL) and the 
Jordan Phosphate Mines Co. Ltd (JPMC) were state trading enterprises with exclusive trading rights. 
The JPRCL has exclusive rights to import crude  oil and hy drocarbon products for local use , while the 
JPMC has exclusive rights to import, store , and sell explosive materials used for mining and quarrying 
purposes. The JPMC also has exclusive mining rights over phosphates for four mines in Jordan.42 
3.107.   In addition, exports of raw hides and manufactured leather are restricted to Jordan Tanning 
Company; portland cement are restricted to the Jordan Cement Factories Company; and mineral 
extracts (e.g.  stone, sand, gypsum, and clay derivatives) are restricted  to the Natural Resources 
Authority.  
3.3.4.2   State -owned enterprises and privatization  
3.108.   State -owned enterprises (SOEs) are controlled and managed by the Government through 
relevant line ministries or governmental agencies. The state ownership is represented by the 
Directors in the SOE board of directors who are appointed by the Government. The authorities note 
that SOEs' operations are not supported by the Government through allocation in the general budget, 
and that the Government transfer s surplus to the Ministry of Finance in accordance with the Financial 
Surplus Law No.  30 of 2007 and its amendments.  
3.109.   SOEs play a significant role in the economy. Apart from the SOEs in the utility sector, other 
SOEs operate in the industries where SOEs compete with the private sectors . According to the 
authorities, SOEs are not exempted from Competition Law enforcement.  
Table 3.8 Selected large public undertakings with significant public holdings, 2023  
(JOD million)  
Name/  
operation  Total  asset 
value  Activity  Operating  
revenue  Operating 
profit  State/public authority 
holding  
Arab Potash 
Company  1,013  Fertilizer  521 125 Ministry of Finance , 27%; 
Social Security 
Corporation , 5%; Arab 
Mining Company (owned 
by, or on behalf of , 15 Arab 
governments) , 20% 
Jordan Telecom 
Group  360 Telecoms  441 62 Social Security 
Corporation , 28.88%  
National Electrical 
Power Company 
(NEPCO)  No records  Services  No 
records  No 
records  .. 
National Food 
Security Company  No records  Commercial  No 
records  No 
records  .. 
 
39 WTO document G/S PS/N/JOR/38, 22  March 2017.  
40 WTO document G/SPS/R/102, 17  September  2021.  
41 WTO document G/STR/N/9/JOR, 28  July 2003.  
42 The JPMC does not sell phosphate to private traders for export purposes . WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 49 - 
 
  Name/  
operation  Total  asset 
value  Activity  Operating  
revenue  Operating 
profit  State/public authority 
holding  
Yarmouk Water 
Company  No records  Services  No 
records  No 
records  .. 
Water Authority of 
Jordan (WAJ)  126.7  Services  120.2  10.7 Water Authority of Jordan , 
100%  
Jordan Silos and 
Supply  47.4 Commercial  5.8 0.7 Jordanian Government , 
100%  
Jordan Phosphate 
Mines Co. Ltd 
(JPMC)  1,112  Industrial  574.4  103.3  Ministry of Finance, 
25.661% ; Social Security 
Corporation , 16.456%  
Jordan Petroleum 
Refinery Co.  1,765  Industrial  3,964.9  11.3 Social Security 
Corporation , 20.141%  
Jordan Industrial 
Estates Company  116.5  Industrial  9.8 n.a. Jordanian Government , 
67% 
Free Zones 
Company  180.5  Industrial  21.2 .. Jordanian Government , 
100%  
Royal Jordanian  84.3 Services  760 .. Jordanian Government , 
35% 
Electricity 
distribution 
company  10 Services  384.8  .. Jordanian Government , 
100%  
National Petroleum 
Company  15 Industrial  5.4 .. Jordanian Government , 
100%  
.. Not available.  
n.a. Not applicable.  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
3.110.   Jordan began its privatization programme in 1989, as part of a broader economic reform 
aimed at liberalizing the economy and reducing the role of the State in economic activities.43 Over 
the years, the privatization programme has faced various challenges, including political opposition 
and economic downturns. However, the Government has remained committed to the programme, 
viewing it as a means of promoting economic growth and attrac ting foreign investment.  
3.111.   The Government favours public -private  partnership  (PPP) projects. A new Public -Private  
Partnership Law No.  17 of 2020 entered into force on 14  April 2021, repealing the previous PPP Law 
No. 31 of 2014. The authorities note that the  new law aims to create an institutional framework to 
enhance the efficiency and transparency of PPP project implementation, and to ensure government 
support during the life cycle of the projects. Provided by the new law, the Public Investment 
Management ( PIM) Unit, under the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, was 
established in April  2021; the PIM Unit is responsible for the preliminary screening of proposed 
project concepts and for maintaining the National Registry of Investment Projects (NRIP) system 
that register s all information related to Priority Public and PPP projects. The new law also provide s 
for the establishment of a Technical Committee for Fiscal Commitments, under the Ministry of 
Finance, which is responsible for evaluating an d monitoring the fiscal commitments for each PPP 
project, and for monitoring the impact of any contingent liabilities on public finances and public debt.  
3.112.   The maximum length of a PPP contract is 35  years. The High Committee for PPP projects has 
the authorit y to approve preliminary feasibility studies and feasibility reports, as well as to approve 
final PPP contracts.  
3.113.   Since the entry into force of the new PPP Law, Jordan has initiated seven  projects, in the 
infrastructure sectors including energy, utility, an d transport. The total value of these projects 
reached JOD  1.2 billion, all of which are in the development phase.  
 
43 The privatization program me in Jordan began with the sale of  SMEs , followed by the privatization of 
larger entities, including S OEs, such as Jordan Telecom, Jordan Cement Factories Company, and Jordan 
Petroleum Refinery Company.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 50 - 
 
  3.3.5   Competition policy and price controls  
3.3.5.1   Competition policy  
3.114.   During the review period, the legal and institutional framework for competition poli cy 
remained largely unchanged. Competition Law No.  33 of 2004 remains the principal legislation 
pertaining to competition policy. The Competition Directorate, under the M ITS, remains the 
enforcement agency, responsible for promoting competition in the econ omy. 
3.115.   Effective on 16  May 2023, the Competition Law was amended by Law No.  12 of 2023. 
The 2023 Amendment broadened the definition of dominant position, simplified the merger control 
regime , and introduced a threshold of merger notifications. In addition, t he Amendment included 
competition provisions for e -commerce and online platform. Also, it strengthened the power of the 
Competition Directorate.  
3.116.   Jordan's competition regime prohibits agreements, alliances , and collusion operations aimed 
at setting prices, sharing markets, obstructing the entry of new competitors or excluding dealers 
from the market, and bid rigging; it also prohibits undertakings from abusing their dominant 
positions that in effect prevent,  restrict, or distort competition such as predatory pricing, tying and 
bundling , and exclusive dealing; it regulates economic concentration activities such as mergers and 
acquisitions.  
3.117.   The 2023 Amendment provide s for a threshold for merger notification to the competent 
authority. A merger or acquisition must be notified if it meets  one of two criteria:  (i) the combined 
annual income of the parties to the merger or acquisition exceeds JOD  40 million, and at least two 
of the parties have an annual income in J ordan exceeding JOD  4 million; or (ii)  the combined market 
share of the parties to the merger or acquisition exceeds 40% in any relevant market in Jordan.44 
When a merger or acquisition case meets one of the thresholds, the parties must notify the 
Competit ion Directorate and obtain approval before completing the transaction.  
3.118.   The 2023 Amendment also strengthened the discipline on granting exemptions of application 
of the Law. Sanctions against anti -competitive behaviours may be exempted, upon request from th e 
undertakings, if their practices, arrangements, or conditions lead to positive results and public 
benefit that cannot be achieved without such exception.45 The Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply 
may grant such an exemption based on the Competition Af fairs Committee, whose establishment 
was provided by the 2023 Amendment; the Committee is composed of representatives from the 
central bank, sectoral regulators, the private sector, and the consumer protection association.46 
3.119.   The Competition Directorate inv estigates complaints from third part ies. W ith the amended 
Competition Law entering into force on 16  May 2023, the Directorate has been empowered to initiate 
an investigation without a complaint.47 The Directorate carries out market studies; it may also 
provide advisory opinions on queries from public and private sector institutions  (Table 3.9) . 
Table 3.9 Competition enforcement statistics, 2016 -22 
 2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  2022  
Mergers & acquisitions  3 5 8 5 1 5 10 
Complaints  10 12 9 7 7 4 9 
Consultations/advisory opinions  7 12 14 14 9 7 9 
Market studies/Self -initiated investigations  9 4 7 9 5 6 8 
Exemption request  2 1 0 0 0 0 0 
Total  31 34 38 35 22 35 36 
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
3.120.   The Competition Law is applicable to SOE operations. During the review period, a number of 
SOEs were sanctioned, by the Competition Directorate, for their anti -competitive behaviours. For 
 
44 Competition Law,  Article  9. 
45 Competition Law,  Article  7. 
46 Competition Law,  Article  14. 
47 Competition Law,  Article  12. WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 51 - 
 
  instance, the Jordan Pharma ceutical Manufacturing Company was found in 2016 to have abused its 
dominant position , and Al Munthiriya Poultry Company was convicted in 2017 of forming a price 
fixing cartel. Both were fined.  
3.121.   During the review period, three complaints  were referred to th e Public Prosecutor for further 
criminal charges: two on abusing market dominance , and one on being "in [the] position of [a] 
cartel". Other complaints were cleared from criminal referral after investigations by the Directorate.  
3.3.5.2   Price control  
3.122.   The Competiti on Law follows the principle of free determination of prices in accordance with 
market mechanisms and the principles of free competition.48 However, prices of "essential 
commodities" are controlled, pursuant to the Industry and Trade Law No.  188 of 1998 an d other 
specific laws.49 
3.123.   Essential commodities are determined by the Council of Ministers. Such commodities include 
wheat, flour, bread, fuels, and pharmaceuticals for human and veterinary use (Table  3.10). The 
authorities note that the commodities deemed essential have not changed since the last Review 
in 2016.  
Table 3.10 Essential commodities, 2023  
HS Code  Product description  Status  
ex 1001 Wheat, seed of a kind used for 
sowing  Price fixed pursuant to Resolution of the 
Prime Minister No. 63-11-1-20173, 
28 November  2007 
ex 1003.00  Barley, seed of a kind used for 
sowing  Price fixed pursuant to the resolution of the 
Prime Minister No.  63-11-1-20173, 
28 November  2007 
1001.10, ex 1001.90  Wheat  Price fixed by  the MITS pursuant to Law 
No. 188 of 1998  
1101.00  Flour Price fixed by the MITS pursuant to Law 
No. 188 of 1998  
ex 1905.90  Bread – Arabic, Tanouri, Taboun, 
Armenian, and Baladi  Price fixed by the MITS pursuant to Law 
No. 188 of 1998  
ex 2302  Bran Price fixed  by the MITS pursuant to Law 
No. 188 of 1998  
ex 2711.13  
ex 2710.00  
ex 2710.00  
ex 2710.00  
ex 2710.00  
ex 2710.00  
2710.004  
2710.005  
ex 2714.90  
ex 2714.90  
ex 2710.00  Liquid gas butane  
Leaded (gasoline)  
Super (gasoline)  
Unleaded (gasoline)  
Jet fuel (airplane fuel)  
Kerosene  
Diesel  
Fuel oil  
Asphalt, w/o containers  
Asphalt, in containers  
Diesel for ships  Prices are fixed on monthly basis (for a 
two-year transition period) by the MITS in 
consultation with stakeholders.  
On 13  November  2012, the Cabinet ap proved 
the monthly price adjustment mechanism, 
allowing the price of oil derivatives to move 
according to international price , except for 
liquid gas butane , which was fixed until the 
beginning of 2015.  
 
ex 2201.90  Water  Price fixed by the Ministry of Water and 
Irrigation. Sewage tariff was increased by 
15% on 7  May 2014 upon recommendation 
by the Water Authority of Jordan  Board.  
2716.00  Electrical energy  Price fixed pursuant to Electricity Law No.  64 
of 2002. Tariff was adjusted in 2012, 2013, 
2014, and 2015.  
ex 3002, ex 3003, and ex 
3004 Pharmaceuticals for human use  Price fixed pursuant to Drug and Pharmacy 
Law No.  80 of 2001  
ex 3002, ex 3003, and ex 
3004 Pharmaceuticals for veterinary 
use Price fixed pursuant to Agri culture Law 
No. 13 of 2015 and the Instructions No.  33 of 
2003 
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
 
48 Competition Law,  Article  4. 
49 In the case of emergencies or natural disasters , the Government may  temporar ily control prices  of 
essential commodities.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 52 - 
 
  3.124.   Control of "essential commodities" prices are maintained through subsidies by the 
Government. Facing the cost -of-living crisis, the Cabinet discussed measures to improve imports of 
essential commodities, including more contract s awarded  to private operator s to import wheat and 
the imported wheat may be stored directly  in the storage facility of the Civil Service Consumer 
Corporation.50 The Government has also been providing targeted cash transfers to low-income 
households to ease the impact of rising commod ity prices.  
3.125.   For barley and wheat, the Inventory Management Directorate, under the MITS, tenders 
contracts to local importers for purchasing and transporting these products from abroad. Imports of 
wheats are subsidized; therefore, bread that is produced fro m subsidized flour is sold at the price 
set by the Government.  
3.126.   There are price controls on electricity and water. The tariffs/fees for a number of services 
are subject to price control, including certain telecommunications services, insurance services (for 
compulsory motor insurance), postal services, and public transport services.  
3.3.6   Government procurement  
3.127.   During the review period, the legislative and institutional framework for government 
procurement was overhauled and modernized. A new Governme nt Procurement Regulation No.  8 
of 2022 entered into force on 15  February  2022, with an aim at improving transparency and 
efficiency of the public procurement process and ensuring fair competition and the best value for 
public money.51 The new regulation e stablished a unified procurement system, repealing various 
legislation previously governing the procurement regime , such as Government Works Regulation 
No. 71 of 1986 and Supply Regulation No.  32 of 1993.  
3.128.   Provided by the new regulation, both the Government  Tenders Department (GTD), under 
the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, and the Government Procurement Department (GPD), 
under the Ministry of Finance, are the competent authorities responsible for overseeing the 
procurement process and for ensuring tha t procurement procedures are transparent, competitive, 
and fair. The GTD oversees the procurement for works and related technical services while the GPD 
is for good s and consultancy services procurements. In addition, the new regulation introduced an 
electronic procurement  system , the Jordan Online e -Procurement System (JONEPS) , for information 
transparency . The system is managed by the GPD in collaboration with the GTD. All procurement 
information, including tender invitation s, bidding evaluation s if appli cable, and awards of contracts , 
is published on JONEPS.  
3.129.   The Government Procurement Regulation is applicable to government entities at the central 
and subcentral levels, as well as public institutions , including SOEs,  that are fully/partially financed 
by th e Government. Any procurements above the value thresholds are subject to the rules and 
procedures set out in Government Procurement Regulation No.  8 of 2022. Procurements are 
overseen by procurement committees. These committees have the competence to revie w and 
approve all procurements above the value threshold (Table  3.11). At the national level, Central 
Procurement Committees are established in the GTD and the GPD. Each government agency may 
establish a Main Procurement Committee at its headquarter s, as well as sub-committees at its branch 
offices. With respect to works and technical services, a Governorate Committee may be established 
in each governorate as a subcommittee at the subcentral level. In special cases , such as emergenc ies 
and under justifiable  circumstances, the Council of Minister s may establish a Special Procurement 
Committee to handle procurements related to such situations.  
 
50 The Jordan Times  (2021), " Cabinet Discusses Measures to Improve Import of Essential Commodities ", 
8 July. Viewed  at: https://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/cabinet -discusses -measures -improve -import -
essential -commodities .  
51 The Government Procurement Regulation No.  8 of 2022 replaced the Government Procurement 
Regulation No.  28 of 2019, and was amended by the Government Procurement Regulation No.  15 of 2022. The 
Amendment to the Regulation entered into force on 1  March  2022.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 53 - 
 
  Table 3.11 Thresholds for procurement approval, 2023  
(JOD)  
 Subcommittee/  
Governorate 
Committee  Main Committee  Central Committee  Special Committee  
Goods  20,000  60,000  unlimited  unlimited  
Consultancy 
services  20,000  60,000  unlimited  unlimited  
Works  2,000,000  500,000  unlimited  unlimited  
Technical  
services  50,000  50,000  unlimited  unlimited  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
3.130.   All government procurements must be conducted through open competitive bidding where 
possible. Other procurement methods provided by the Law include limited bidding and dir ect 
procurement. Limited bidding may be used on the ground s of a limited number of suppliers due to 
the complex nature of the works/services/goods required. Direct procurement may be used for 
procurement when there is only one supplier or when there is an emergency need.52 According to 
the authorities, most contracts were awarded through open competitive bidding.  
3.131.   Invitation to tender must be published on JONEPS and in any media designated by the 
Secretary -General or Director -General of the procuring entity,  for at least 21  days for national 
tendering and 30 days for international tendering. Procuring entities may tender internationally when 
the procurement involves goods, works , or services that are not available in the domestic market, 
or when domestic supp liers do not meet the technical or other requirements specified in the 
procurement documents. There is not a specified value threshold for projects that must be tendered 
internationally.  
3.132.   The Regulation does not provide preference to domestic suppliers; non etheless, Jordan offers 
preference for SMEs in its procurement regime. The preference margin for SMEs is yet to be 
determined. For procurements below thresholds, SME suppliers may benefit from simplified 
procedures that aim to reduce the administrative bur den and the cost associated with bidding for 
SMEs. The authorities indicate that rules and procedures for SME preferences are being develop ed. 
3.133.   Valuation of tenders must follow the criteria specified in the tender documents. Criteria may 
include non -price f actors, but they must be objective and be quantifiable in monetary terms to the 
extent possible. According to the authorities, the lowest bid usually is the winner of the tender when 
there are not relative weights of technical and financial offers.  
3.134.   Challenges to a contract decision may be submitted to the procurement committee for 
reconsideration of a decision (or action) within the period specified in the decision by the 
procurement committee. If the contesting bidder is not satisfied with the outco me of its complaint, 
the challenger may appeal to the Procurement Complaints Review Committee for remedies. The 
Committee's decision is final and binding, in terms of administrative acts; however, any aggrieved 
party may seek judicial review . 
3.135.   Jordan is an observer to the WTO plurilateral Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) 
and has a commitment regarding GPA accession in its WTO accession protocol. Jordan has not signed 
any regional agreements covering government procurement.  
3.3.7   Intellectual property rights  
3.136.   During the review period, Jordan modernized its patent protection regime. According to the 
authorities, the new patent regime strengthens patent protection through alignment with 
international standards and best practice, and thus promotes innovation and investment.  
3.137.   Eleven international treaties (Table  3.12) administered by the World Intellectual Property 
Organization (WIPO)  are in force in Jordan . During the review period, Jordan ratified the Marrakesh 
VIP Treaty, which entered into force o n 26 September  2018; also, the Patent Cooperation Treaty 
 
52 There is not a value threshold defined for direct procurement.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 54 - 
 
  entered into force in Jordan on 9  June 2017. The authorities indicate that ratification of the 
Beijing  Treaty on Audiovisual Performance is ongoing . 
Table 3.12 Contracting party to WIPO treaties, 2023  
Treaty  In force  date 
Berne Convention  28 July 1999 
Budapest Treaty  14 November  2008 
Marrakesh VIP Treaty  26 September  2018 
Nice Agreement  14 November  2008 
Paris Convention  17 July 1972 
Patent Cooperation Treaty  9 June 2017 
UPOV Convention  24 October  2004 
Vienna Agreement  14 November  2008 
WIPO Convention  12 July 1972 
WIPO Copyright Treaty  27 April 2004 
WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty  24 May 2004 
Source:  WIPO, Country Profile: Jordan . Viewed  at: 
https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/treaties/ShowResults?code=JO . 
3.138.   In general, there are no legal provisions on prohibitin g parallel imports. The authorities note 
that parallel imports are possible as long as that the importation of the intellectual property in 
question is legal and not prohibited by the private licensing contracts.  
3.3.7.1   Industrial property rights  
3.139.   The Industrial P roperty Protection Directorate (IPPD), under the M ITS, is the competent 
authority  enforcing IPR laws pertaining to industrial properties. The IPPD is the registrar for patents, 
industrial designs, trademarks, geographic indications, and the layout designs of printed circuits.  
3.3.7.1.1   Patents and industrial designs  
3.140.   The legislative framework for patents and industrial designs remained largely unchanged. 
The principal legislation is Patent Law No.  32 of 1999 , together with its amendments. The Patent 
Law was amended a number of times during the review period. According to the authorities, the 
Patent Law and its amendments are aligned to provisions in the WTO TRIPS  Agreement, and provide 
better protection on inventions that are novel, inventive , and industrially applicab le. 
3.141.   All patents are protected for 20  years in Jordan, as of the date of registration application.  
3.142.   The Minister  for Industry and Trade  may grant compulsory licences to a third party 
exclusively in the case of national emergency or insufficient exploitation of the patent. The 
authorities indicate that compulsory licences may be granted for a patent ed product  that will be 
exported to countries suffering from pandemics or epidemic diseases , pursuant to the Jordan's WTO 
obligation under the TRIPS  Agreement.53 
3.143.   Any interested party may oppose preliminary acceptance of a patent, by writing to the IPPD 
within three months of the Official Gazette publication date of the preliminary acceptance notice. 
Should the opposition miss the three -month window, the concerned par ty may resort to the 
Administrative Court for invalidation of the patent granted.  
3.144.   As a contracting party to the Paris Convention, Jordan accepts patent applications from 
applicants who already have been granted patents in other countries, conditional on th e application 
to Jordan being submitted within 12 months of the earlier application and on the subject matter of 
the two applications being the same or closely related. In addition, Jordan's amended  Patent Law 
allows filling of divisional applications , thus protecting partial designs.  
 
53 Patent Law No.  28 of 2007,  Article  22. WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 55 - 
 
  3.145.   Industrial designs are protected, under the Industrial Designs and Models Law No.  14 
of 2000, for a non -renewable period of 15 year s. There are no provisions on utility  models.  
3.146.   In 2022, there were 357 patent applications filed at the IPPD, 20 of which were submitted 
from applicants residing in Jordan and 337 from abroad (Table  3.13). Foreign applicants for patents 
were mainly from the United  States, Switzerland, Germany,  Belgium, and the Russian  Federation.  
Table 3.13 Patents and industrial designs applications, 2016 -22 
 2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  2022  
Patent applications  
Resident  22 25 24 21 32 39 20 
Abroad  256 175 109 290 305 299 337 
Total 278 200 133 311 337 338 357 
Industrial design applications  
Resident  55 74 26 71 74 114 68 
Abroad  46 29 23 48 15 15 55 
Total 101 103 49 119 89 129 123 
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
3.147.   With regard to industrial designs, 123  applications for protections were filed in 2022, 68 of 
which were from Jordan and 55 from abroad (Table  3.13). Most foreign applicants were from Italy 
and Switzerland.  
3.3.7.1.2   Trademarks and geographical indications  
3.148.   The regime for trademarks protection remained largely unchanged during the review period. 
The principal legislation is Trademark s Law No.  34 of 1999 , together with its amendments.  
3.149.   A registered trademark is protected for a period of 10  years, re newable indefinite ly. 
3.150.   Trademark protection in Jordan is on the first -to-register principle. However, any interested 
party may file a challenge at the IPPD on the validity of a mark with in 90 days of the Official Gazette 
publication date of the trademark. I n addition, the Trademark Law protect s "well-known marks", 
regardless of whether they are registered in Jordan; the owner of a "well -known mark" may seek 
judicial remedy for cancellation of a registered mark. The registration for a  registered trademark 
that has not been used for a continuous period of five years or longer  may be cancelled on the 
ground s of non -use. 
3.151.   In Jordan, geographical indications (GIs) are protected, in the principle of collective mark54, 
by Geographic Indications Law No.  8 of 2000. As of end -2021, six GIs were registered in Jordan . 
Table 3.14 Trademark registration, 2016 -22 
 2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  2022  
Resident  3,012  3,079  2,991  2,656  2,756  3,242  3,394  
Abroad  4,331  4,559  4,456  4,147  3,398  4,516  4,545  
Subtotal  7,343  7,638  7,450  6,803  6,154  7,758  7,939  
Rejected applications  1,037  849 587 775 751 810 1,185  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
3.152.   In 2022, 7 ,939 trademarks were registered with the IPPD, 3,394 of which were filed by 
applicants within Jordan (Table  3.14). Foreign trademark applicants were mainly from the 
United  States, China, Switzerland, the United  Kingdom, and Germany.  
 
54 Trademarks Law,  Article  2. WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 56 - 
 
  3.3.7.1.3   Layouts of printed circuits, and trade secrets  
3.153.   Provided by the Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits Protection Law No.  10 of 2000, a new 
design of a printed circuit may be registered with the IPPD for protection of a non -renewable 10 -year 
period .55 
3.154.   Trade secret s or undisclosed information are protected by the Unfair Competition and Trade 
Secret Protection Law No.  15 of 2000.  
3.3.7.2   Plant varieties  
3.155.   Plant varieties are protected under the Plant Varieties Protection Law No.  24 of 2000. The 
Law provides protection for new a nd distinct varieties of plants that are developed through breeding 
or other methods of genetic manipulation. The competent authority for enforcement is the Plant 
Varieties Protection Directorate, under the Ministry of Agriculture. Once a plant variety is registered, 
the owner of the variety has exclusive rights for 20  years. As of end -2021, there were 59 plant 
variety application filed for protection.  
3.3.7.3   Copyrights and neighbouring rights  
3.156.   The copyright protection regime remained largely unchanged during the r eview period. The 
Copyright Office of the National Library, under the Ministry of Culture, is the competent authority 
for enforcing Copyright Law No.  23 of 2014.  
3.157.   Copyright protection is accorded to original works of art, science, and literature, including 
works expressed in writing, sound s, visual s, motion, 3 -D works, computer programmes, and 
databases. Copyright protection generally lasts for the life of the author plus 50  years after their 
death, while applied arts are protected for 25 years after their c reation. Unpublished works are also 
protected from the moment they are created.  
3.158.   Collective management organizations (CMOs) must be registered in order to represent the 
rights of copyright owners. The authorities indicate that CMOs are considered as non -profit 
associations in Jordan, and that there are no restrictions on foreigners to register any associations.  
 
55 The period of the design protection is 10 years from the date of first commercial exploitation 
anywhere worldwide . The protection period must not exceed 15 years from the date of inventing the design . WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 57 - 
 
 4  TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1  Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries  
4.1.1   Overview  
4.1.  In 2022, agriculture and related activities accounted for 5.3% of Jordan's GDP (Chart  1.1) and 
for 3.2% of national employment, of which two  thirds are non -Jordanian . Some 15% of the 
population (about 118,000  families) depend on agriculture.1 The sector faces several challenges, 
particularly the dry climate with limited access to water supplies.  
4.2.  Over 60% of the value of agricultural production is grown in the Jordan Valley, which, being 
below sea level and having a warm and temperate climate, can produce fruits and vegetables 
throughout the year. Agricultural production also takes place in the highlands, where cereals and 
field crops are mainly cultivated. There is minimal production in the semi -arid eastern regions as 
Jordan has limited water resources and much of the soil is relatively infertile. Farm holdings are 
small and fragmented with about 90% of farmers owning less than 5  ha.2 
4.3.  The total value of agricultural production went from USD  3,506  million in 2016 to 
USD 3,391  million in 2021.3 In constant value terms, livestock and livestock products, led by chicken 
meat, remain the most important agricultural product s (Table  4.1), while in terms of 2021 volume, 
the most important agricultural products are tomatoes, cattle raw milk, chicken mea t, potatoes, 
olives, cattle meat, eggs, barley, and wheat (Table  4.2). The fluctuation in the value of agricultural 
production is due to changes in prices, area cultivated , and yields.  
Table 4.1 Value of prod uction of livestock products, 2016 -21 
(Constant 2014 -16 USD  million)  
 Livestock 
total  Chicken 
meat  Cattle meat  Cattle milk  Milk, whole 
fresh sheep  Eggs, hen, 
in shell  Other 
livestock 
products  
2016 1,145  606 106 186 110 110 27 
2017 1,184  659 84 197 118 99 27 
2018 1,298  658 109 215 117 173 25 
2019 1,288  558 189 233 120 158 30 
2020 1.367  659 208 201 126 148 25 
2021 1,306  621 236 208 121 95 25 
Source:  FAOStat. Viewed  at: https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data . 
Table 4.2 Production volumes 2016 -21 
(Tonnes)  
 Wheat  Barley  Olives  Tomatoes  Potatoes  Cattle 
meat  Chicken 
meat  Cattle 
raw milk  Eggs, 
hen, in 
shell  
2016 31,150  37,929  115,812  837,344  273,906  29,552  200,959  276,715  54,694  
2017 12,110  48,954  145,332  690,477  155,639  29,000  217,625  292,604  49,600  
2018 16,389  47,245  125,150  717,865  153,199  30,770  217,423  320,169  86,333  
2019 26,361  66,618  214,994  496,216  173,653  41,981  184,434  346,926  78,947  
2020 25,749  86,615  169,265  577,288  147,913  45,801  217,572  299,819  73,748  
2021 30,000  35,000  172,061  629,153  177,502  48,581  205,000  309,072  47,614  
Source:  FAOStat. Viewed  at: https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data . 
4.1.2   Trade  
4.4.  Jordan depends on imports to meet domestic demand for most agricultural products and the 
deficit in agriculture trade continued to increase throughout the review period (Tables  4.3 and 4.5). 
Agricultural exports averaged USD  1,324  million between 2016 and 2022, while imports averaged 
 
1 Data provided by the authorities.  
2 WTO document WT/TPR/S/325/Rev.1, 5  February  2016.  
3 Data pro vided by the authorities.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 58 - 
 
  USD 4,256  million over the same period. In 2022, agricultural exports represented 11.8% of total 
merchandise exports, while the share of agricultural imports to total imports was 21.1%.4 
4.5.  During the review period, live sheep and goats replaced tomatoes as Jordan's main agricultural 
export. Live sheep and goats represented 11.4% of all agricultural products (WTO definition) in 2022 
(Table  4.3), t he Kingdom of Saudi Arabia being the largest export market  (Table  4.4), with 70.6% 
of the total. The  Gulf Cooperation Council ( GCC) members  are the main destination for Jordan's 
agricultural exports.  
Table 4.3 Exports of main agricultural products, 2016 -22 
(USD  million and %)  
 2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  2022a Share 
in 
2022a 
Total agricultural exports 
(WTO definition)  1,252.5  1,225.0  1,716.5  1,114.5  1,152.1  1,341.7  1,466.0  100.0  
0104. Live sheep and goats.  139.5  161.6  96.4 157.0  150.5  126.5  167.8  11.4 
0809. Apricots, cherries, 
peaches (including 
nectarines), plums and sloes 
fresh 103.2  96.7 64.1 70.1 62.9 156.0  85.8 5.8 
1602. Other prepared or 
preserved meat, meat offal, 
blood or insects  27.4 41.9 26.3 43.2 58.7 60.1 80.2 5.5 
2106. Food preparations not 
elsewhere specified or 
included  61.1 60.1 59.9 69.4 60.5 61.4 76.7 5.2 
0702. Tomatoes, fresh or 
chilled  255.5  223.1  168.0  120.3  101.4  94.2 73.3 5.0 
0709. Other vegetables, fresh 
or chilled  69.3 80.5 68.3 60.6 54.4 59.6 69.8 4.8 
2005. Other vegetables 
prepared or preserved 
otherwise than by vinegar or 
acetic acid, not frozen, other 
than products of 
heading  20.06  27.3 24.9 25.0 27.6 37.1 43.1 63.5 4.3 
2309. Preparations of a kind 
used in animal feeding  36.5 36.9 47.3 31.1 52.9 46.2 62.5 4.3 
1101. Wheat or meslin flour  1.4 3.4 8.2 16.1 14.7 28.6 46.3 3.2 
0407. Birds' eggs, in shell, 
fresh, preserved or cooked  7.8 7.2 17.4 20.9 39.4 42.4 45.1 3.1 
a Provisional data.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities.  
Table 4.4 Main export markets for Jordanian live sheep and goats, 2016 -22 
(USD  million and %)  
 2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  2022a Share 
in 
2022a 
Total HS0104 exports  139.5  161.6  96.4 157.0  150.5  126.5  167.8  100.0  
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  82.6 20.6 14.7 35.3 56.8 76.7 118.4  70.6 
Qatar  33.2 33.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 22.8 13.6 
Kuwait, State of  18.0 98.1 61.8 103.4  79.7 44.6 22.2 13.2 
Bahrain, Kingdom of  0.7 4.7 7.7 10.7 8.1 3.9 3.6 2.1 
United Arab Emirates  5.0 4.6 12.3 7.7 5.4 1.3 0.8 0.5 
a Provisional  data. 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities.  
4.6.  Jordan's most important agricultural imports are cereals, notably wheat and meslin , which 
represented 7.4% of total agricultural imports in 2022, followed by barley and maize (Table  4.5). 
 
4 WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 59 - 
 
  The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supplies (MITS) is the main importer of cereals. Wheat 
consumption includes that used for animal feed but is  generally imported for human consumption. 
Barley is mainly used as animal feed for sheep and, to a lesser degree, cattle and poultry. Maize is 
mainly used for animal feed. In 2022, most agricultural imports came from the European  Union  
(29.7% of the total ), led by Romania (14.5% of the total) , followed by  the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 
(9.7% ) and  Argentina (7.8%).5 
Table 4.5 Imports of agricultural products, 2016 -22 
(USD  million and %)  
 2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  2022a Share in 
2022a 
Total agricultural 
exports  
(WTO definition)  4,032.4  3,849.7  3,797.4  3,757.3  4,103.3  4,492.4  5,759.8  100.0  
1001. Wheat and meslin  447.0  233.0  262.5  202.9  301.8  299.5  424.2  7.4 
1003. Barley  196.1  177.2  197.4  213.4  120.6  222.4  420.5  7.3 
1005. Maize (corn)  171.0  195.5  184.7  161.6  162.9  235.9  306.8  5.3 
0104. Live sheep and 
goats  156.3  93.5 78.7 82.0 184.4  203.7  271.2  4.7 
1006. Rice  143.8  161.7  173.9  198.6  194.5  179.6  258.2  4.5 
2304. Oil -cake and other 
solid residues  156.5  164.3  155.0  139.9  144.7  177.5  232.4  4.0 
1701. Cane or beet sugar 
and chemically pure 
sucrose, in solid form  177.8  190.0  146.2  118.0  162.8  152.7  230.6  4.0 
2106. Food preparations 
not elsewhere specified or 
included  178.3  168.5  168.8  170.4  159.4  189.2  226.4  3.9 
0406. Cheese and curd  103.9  106.3  107.7  112.3  125.5  133.7  157.8  2.7 
0207. Meat and edible 
offal, of the poultry of 
heading  01.05, fresh, 
chilled or frozen  102.0  91.9 89.5 90.8 77.6 115.8  152.0  2.6 
a Provisional data.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities . 
4.1.3   Policies  
4.7.  The Ministry of Agriculture continues to be responsible for developing and implementing 
agricultural policies and preparing legislation. Under the Ministry, the Natio nal Center for Agricultural 
Research and Extension (NCARE) provides research, training, and extension services to farmers , 
and the Agricultural Credit Corporation (ACC) provides credit to farmers and village cooperative 
societies. In 2022, the total amount  lent by the ACC reached JOD  55 million.6 
4.8.  Other ministries are also responsible for policies affecting agriculture, including the Ministry of 
Water and Irrigation. Under the Minist ry of Water and Irrigation , the Jordan Valley Authority is 
responsible for the operation and maintenance of irrigation systems and land allocation in the Jordan 
Valley, and the Water Authority of Jordan deals with water and sanitation services including planning, 
construction, operation, and maintenance.  
4.9.  The principal legislation  on agriculture remains Agriculture Law No.  13 of 2015 , whose main 
objectives are to increase self -sufficiency and improve diversification while meeting international, 
regional, and domestic requirements and conserving the environment and natural resources . In 
addition, there are other laws relating to water and irrigation that affect agriculture.  
4.10.  Under Agriculture Law No.  13 for 2015, some regulations have been issued  to enhance trade 
competition. According to the authorities, the following regulations consider trade facilitation and 
laboratory tests accreditation in the country of origin : 
• Regulation No. G/1 2016 to obtain permission to import animal feed materials;  
• Regulation No. G/6 2021 for the registration, production, importation, analysis, sale of 
agricultural fertilizers and plant growth regulators , and amendments thereof;  
 
5 WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities.  
6 Data provided by the authorities.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 60 - 
 
  • Regulation No. G/7 2021, for the registration, formulation, processing, import, 
circulation , and trading in pesticides;  
• Regulation No. G/4 2022, for the registration, import, handling , and trading in pesticides 
and biological enemies;  
• Regulation No. G/13 2022, for the registration of seeds and vegetable seed varieties, 
their import origin and locally produced, and production and trading in thereof; and  
• Agricultural Services Allowance Decision No. G/9 2015 and its amendments . 
4.11.  On 24  August  2020, the Ministry of Agriculture launched the National Agricultural 
Development Strategy 2020 -25 at an esti mated cost of JOD  591 million. It envisages 
174 interventions and projects, focusing on the following priorities: restructuring and digitization of 
the agricultural sector; utilization of modern technology; enhancing production and productivity; 
focusing o n strategic crops; developing the logistics chain of operations; uplifting the 
agro-processing chain; developing the export chain; and expanding forest and pasture areas.7 
4.12.  The National Agricultural Development Strategy 2020 -25 aims at increasing agricultu ral GDP 
from JOD  2.6 billion in 2020 to JOD  3.66 billion by 2025 and boosting agriculture's value -added from 
JOD 1.6 billion to JOD  2.48 billion in the period. Other key targets of the strategy include creating 
65,000 jobs in the five -year period and repla cing 21,000 foreign workers with Jordanians; increasing  
the number of farmers using digital government -run agricultural services by 30%; and reducing 
export costs to pave the way for a 15% increase in agricultural exports. Accordingly, the Strategy 
is desi gned to help cut air and land freight costs by 12% and increase the productivity of food and 
agricultural manufacturers by 18% by 2025. Furthermore, the Strategy is pursuing a 10% increase 
in the forest area by 2025.8 
4.13.  Under the Government's Economic Prior ities Program 2021 -2023 (EPP) (Section  1.2 and 
Table  2.2), a key objective for the sector is to increase agricultural output by 20% in 2023 compared 
to 2020 levels. The priorities for the sector are encouraging farmers to adopt modern practices by 
expandin g agricultural lending; establishing an Agricultural Marketing Company; and encouraging 
and promoting food manufacturing.9 
4.14.  The Government has recently developed and adopted the National Water Strategy 2023 -2040, 
as well as  several policies that focus on p roviding irrigation water while reducing overall volumes of 
freshwater used as irrigation water. These policies are part of the Strategy and include Wastewater 
Management and Reuse Policy, Water Reallocation Policy, and Water Demand Policy.  The water for 
irrigation represented  48.6% of water demand in Jordan.10 
4.15.  The National Water Strategy 2023 -2040 consists of four pillars: (i) reform the legal and 
institutional framework to modernize the sector, clarify roles and responsibilities, enhance 
accountability, a nd increase public trust; (ii) restore balance between available and sustainable 
water supplies and sufficient water demand to meet Jordan's health and economic development 
needs to achieve lasting water security; (iii) achieve financial sustainability for  water sector 
operations through the balance of full cost recovery for operations and maintenance; and (iv) ensure 
impartial and transparent regulation of water sector services and costs.11 
4.1.3.1   Trade policies  
4.16.  On average, the MFN applied tariff for agricultural products (WTO definition) decreased from 
16.8% in 2015 to 8.8% in 2022 (Table  3.1). Agricultural products cover 950 tariff lines  at the 9 -digit 
level, including 36 tariff lines with non -ad valorem  (specific) duties . All specific duties are for  
beverages and spirits. Tobacco products (five lines) have the highest applied tariffs of 45%, followed 
 
7 Information provided by the authorities.  
8 Information provided by the authorities.  
9 Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MOPIC) (2021), Government's Economic Priorities 
Program 2021 -2023, p. 16. Viewed  at: 
https://mop.gov.jo/EBV4.0/Root_Storage/EN/EB_HomePage/final_english_13 -9.pdf. 
10 Ministry of Water and Irrigation, National Water Strategy 2023 -2040. Viewed  at: 
https://www.mwi.gov.jo/ebv4.0/root_storage/ar/eb_list_page/%D9%85%D9%84%D8%AE%D8%B5_%D8%A
7%D9%84%D8%A5%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA%D9%8A%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%A9_%
D8%A7%D9%84%D9%88%D8%B7%D9%86%D9%8A%D8%A9_%D9%84%D9%84%D9%85%D9%8A%D8
%A7%D9%87__2023_ -_2040.pdf . [Only in Arabic]  
11 Information provided by the authorities.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 61 - 
 
  by 25% rate on beverages (two lines), fruits and vegetables (24 lines), and other products. 
Ad valorem  duties range from zero to 150%, while specific ra tes range from JOD  0.85/litre to 
JOD 15/litre. Ad valorem  highest rates of 150% (14 tariff lines) and 75% ( 1 line) apply to tobacco 
and tobacco products.  
4.17.  Under different preferential trade agreements, imports of agricultural products are subject to 
reduced  tariff rates, ranging from 2.6% for imports from the United  States to 8.0% from EFTA 
countries. The average preferential rate of the other preferential agreements is 2.7% for Canada, 
the Greater Arab Free Trade Area ( GAFTA ), and Morocco; 2.9% for the European Union  and the 
United  Kingdom; and 3.7% for Singapore  (Section  3.1.3.2 and Table  3.4). 
4.18.  Import licences are required for a number of agricultural goods and foodstuffs.  The Food and 
Drug Administration is responsible for licences for animals and animal p roducts and processed 
agricultural products, and the Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for basic plant products and fresh 
products. The conditions necessary for granting a licence depend on the type of product and the 
country of origin and, according to the authorities, are applied for sanitary and phytosanitary 
reasons.  
4.1.3.2   Price -related measures  
4.19.  Some goods, particularly food from cereals, are subject to price controls and are subsidized 
by the Government. The MITS is the main importer of wheat, barley, a nd other cereals , which it 
then sells to millers. Bread prices are fixed at JOD  0.32/kg for large -sized pitta bread; JOD  0.40/kg 
for small -sized pitta bread; and JOD  0.35/kg for other types of local bread. An active strategic wheat 
reserve is in place at 1 2 months' consumption.12 According to the authorities, subsidized flour selling 
prices were revoked on 26  January  2018.  
4.20.  The Government also applies measures to support domestic producers of wheat and barley. 
The government -fixed price for domestically prod uced wheat changes from one year to another , 
ranging from JOD  370 per tonne in 2016 to JOD  420 per tonne in 2022. Jordan has continued to use 
administered prices for barley , which, like those for wheat, have varied from one year to the next, 
ranging from J OD 320 per tonne in 2016 to JOD  370 per tonne in 2022.13 According to the 
authorities, the administered prices are decided based on international prices and shipping costs 
plus a margin to ensure domestic production is viable.  
4.21.  Sheep and goat owners receive  subsidized feed barley according to the number of tagged 
animals they possess. Other livestock subsectors are excluded from the programme. The animal 
tagging programme started in 2008 with the objective of improving productivity and exports through 
better  animal health.  
4.1.3.3   WTO notifications  
4.22.  The most recent notifications by Jordan to the WTO Committee on Agriculture were made 
in 2017 and refer to calendar years 2013 and 2014. According to the authorities, lack of up -to-date 
data has prevented them from making new notifications.  
4.23.  Jordan indicated that no export subsidies were provided during 2013 and 2014.14 
4.24.  Jordan's current total Aggregate Measurement of Support (AMS) reached JOD  1,861  million 
in 2014.15 Along with earlier notifications, most of Jordan's domestic support was in the Green Box, 
followed by support notified under the Amber Box including de minimis  support.  
4.25.  Domestic food aid represented 73.7% of the Green Box total of JOD  240.8  million in 201 4. 
General services, led by inspection services, infrastructural services, pest and disease control, and 
research are the next biggest item s in the Green Box notification. Regarding the Amber Box, the 
 
12 Information  provided by the authorities.  
13 Information provided by the authorities.  
14 WTO document G/AG/N/JOR/18, 19  January  2017.  
15 WTO document G/A G/N/JOR/20/Rev.1, 30  November  2017.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 62 - 
 
  value of producer price support for wheat and barley de pends on both production and the applied 
administered price, while livestock and other forms of support depend on budget allocations.16 
4.2  Mining and energy  
4.26.  During the review period, there were no significant changes to the institutional framework 
regarding m ining and energy. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) remains 
responsible for the sector, elaborating policies and legislation with the objective of achieving a 
sustainable supply of energy and optimal use of Jordan's natural resources acco rding to global best 
practices.  
4.27.  Under the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission Law No.  8 of 2017, the MEMR's 
regulatory tasks relating to granting licences and permits were transferred to the Energy and 
Minerals Regulatory Commission (EMRC).17 
4.28.  The Jor dan Petroleum Refinery Co. Ltd (JPRCL) and the Jordan Phosphate Mines Co. Ltd 
(JPMC) are state trading enterprises. JPRCL has exclusive rights to import crude oil and hydrocarbon 
products for local use, while the JPMC has exclusive rights to import, store,  and sell explosive 
materials used for mining and quarrying purposes. The JPMC also has exclusive mining rights over 
phosphates for four mines in Jordan (Section  3.3.4.1).18 
4.2.1   Mining  
4.29.  In 2022, the mining and quarrying  sector accounted for 3.1% of Jordan's GDP  (Chart  1.1). 
Mining consists mainly of large industries in terms of capital and volume of investments. The sector 
is divided into extractive and manufacturing industries. Extractive industries depend on mineral 
resources that cannot be renewed or replaced  and converted into final products, notably phosphate 
and potash. Manufacturing industries include industrial processes to have a final or intermediate 
product for other industries, such as fertilizers and cement.  
4.30.  During the review period , there was a larg e increase in both total financial revenues of both 
extractive and manufacturing mining industries, and in the share of mining exports to total exports 
(Table  4.6). The rapid technological development at the global level in mining has contributed to 
larger  investments in Jordan's mining industrial projects. Moreover, over the last few years the 
Government has implemented several exploration program mes for mineral ores, such as rare earth 
elements and lithium, for the purpose of marketing these ores in moder n industries and focusing on 
the added value of national strategic minerals.19 
Table 4.6 Mining key economic indicators, 2016 -21 
(JOD million)  
Concept  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Extractive industries  1,420.5  1,445.9  1,634.5  1,861.1  1,681.2  1,949.1  
Manufacturing industries  679.9  545.9  627.3  571.2  546.4  1,169.2  
Total 2,100.4  1,991.8  2,270.8  2,432.3  2,227.6  3,118.3  
Mining exports  946.0  882.0  1,098.0  944.6  1,188.0  1,834.0  
Total exports  5,712.0  5,629.0  5,561.0  4,992.1  5,044.4  6,039.5  
% of total exports  16.6 15.7 19.7 18.9 23.6 30.4 
Source:  MEMR, Performance of Jordanian Mining Sector During 2019 -21; and data provided by the 
authorities.  
4.31.  Natural Resource Law No.  19 of 2018 aims at natural resources development, together with 
their sustainable exploitation, and to regulate mining activities. It establishes that (i)  natural 
resources are considered property of the State, whether they are on the surface of the earth or in 
its interior, or in territorial waters, rivers, and inland seas; (ii)  it is not permissible to explore, exploit, 
transfer , or trade in natural resources without obtaining a permit or licence; (iii)  any activities of 
 
16 WTO document G/AG/N/JOR/20/Rev.1, 30  November  2017.  
17 MEMR, Annual Report 2021 , p. 17. Viewed  at: 
https://www.memr.gov .jo/ebv4.0/root_storage/en/eb_list_page/annual_report_2021_en.pdf . 
18 The JPMC does not sell phosphate to private traders for export purposes.  
19 MEMR, Performance of Jordanian Mining Sector During 2019 -21, p. 3. Viewed  at: 
https://www.memr.gov.jo/ebv4.0/root_storage/en/eb_list_page/pofjmsd2021.pdf . WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 63 - 
 
  survey, exploration and exploitation of petro leum, oil shale, coal and strategic minerals shall be 
conducted in accordance with a Regulation issued for this purpose; (iv)  mining is considered a public 
interest and no survey permit, exploration licence or mining right may be granted for governmental, 
private , or Waqf land unless approved by their owners or by whom authorized on land use; (v)  prior 
approval and supervision of the related authorities is requested to survey, explore , or mine within 
holy places or antiquity sites, railway lands, municipal areas, reservoirs, and oil and sewage pipelines 
lands; and (vi)  it is impermissible for the licensee to possess or obtain water from any lake , sea, 
river, stream , water passage , dam, underground reservoir , or canal abutting any spot within the 
licence or p ermit area without prior approval.20 
4.32.  Jordan's investment and fiscal mining regime did not change during the review period. Jordan 
permits foreigners to invest in the mining sector, under special agreements concluded with  the 
Natural Resources Authority (NRA), by way of certain permits, prospecting licences, and mining 
rights. Mining rights are granted for up to 30  years and income taxes are set at 15%. Foreign 
ownership is permitted in the sector, but mines must have a Jordan ian manager. Rights are 
exclusively given to single entities in a number of industries within the sector, such as bromine, 
phosphate rock, potash, potassium nitrate, salt, potassium sulphate, and sulphuric acid.21 
4.33.  The sector is composed of both private and  state-owned companies. The National Petroleum 
Company and Jordan Petroleum Refinery Company are fully state -owned. Jordan Phosphate Mines 
Company (JPMC), Arab Potash Company (APC), Jordan Abyad Fertilizers and Chemicals Company 
(JAFCCO), Jordan Indian Fer tilizer Company (JIFCO), Jordan Lafarge Cement Factories Company 
(JCFC), and Nippon Jordan Fertilizer Company have shared ownership among private and 
government entities. The remaining companies are privately owned (Table  4.7). 
Table 4.7 Overview of the mineral industry: selected commodities  
Commodity  Major operating 
companies  Ownership  Location of main 
facilities  
Bromine  Jordan Bromine Co. 
(JBC)  Arab Potash Co. (APC), 50% ; Albemarle 
Corp., 50%  Ghur Al Safi  
Cement  Al Rajhi Cement Jordan  Al Rajhi Cement Holding L td Mafraq  
 Arab Company for 
White Cement Industry  Syrian Jordanian Company for Industry , 
50%; Ministry of Finance , 15%; Social 
Security Corp. , 10%; General Organization 
for Cement (Syria) , 25% Amman  
 Qatrana Cement Co.  Arabian Cement Co., 100%  Al Qatraneh  
 Jordan Lafarge Cement 
Factories Co. P SC 
(JCFC)  Lafarge S.A., 50.28%; Social Security 
Corp., 21.86%; others, 27.87%  Fuheis and Ar -Rashadiya  
 Modern Cement and 
Mining Co.  Manaseer Group for Industries and 
Commercial Investments of Jordan, 100%  Fuheis and Ar -Rashadiya  
 Northern Cement Co.   Mill at Muwaqar  
Natural gas  National Petroleum Co.  Government, 100%  Risha  
Petroleum crude  National Petroleum Co.  Government, 100%  Hamza  
Petroleum Refined  Jordan Petroleum 
Refinery Co. Ltd  Social Security Corporation , 20.14%  Zarqa  
Phosphate rock  Jordan Phosphate Mines 
Co. Ltd (JPMC)  Ministry of Finance , 25.66% ; Social 
Security Corporation , 16.466%  Al Abiad, Al Hassa, 
Eshidiya, and Russeifa 
mines  
Phosphate 
fertilizers  JPMC Ministry of Finance , 25.66% ; Social 
Security Corporation , 16.46%  Aqaba  
 Jordan Abyad Fertilizers 
and Chemicals Co. P SC 
(JAFCCO)  Venture Capital Bank, 57.2%; Al -Fares 
Investments, 17.8%; Jordan Phosphate 
Mines Co. Ltd (JMPC), 15%; Arab Mining 
Co., 10%  Aqaba  
 Nippon Jordan Fertilizer 
Co. Asahi Industries Company Ltd 10%; 
Mitsubishi Corp., 10%; Mitsubishi 
Chemicals Corp., 10%; Zen -Noh, 30%; 
Arab Potash Co. (APC), 20%; Jordan 
Phosphate Mines Co. Ltd (JPMC), 20%  Eshidiya  
Phosphoric acid  JPMC Ministry of Finance , 25.661% ; Social 
Security Corporation , 16.456%  Aqaba  
 
20 Information provided by the authorities.  
21 WTO document WT/TPR/S/325/Rev.1, 5  February  2016.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 64 - 
 
  Commodity  Major operating 
companies  Ownership  Location of main 
facilities  
 Jordan India Fertilizer 
Co. (JIFCO)  
 Indian Farmers Fertilizers Cooperative of 
India (IFFCO), 52% ; Jordan Phosphate 
Mines Co. Ltd (JPMC), 48%  Eshidiya  
 Indo-Jordan Chemicals 
Co. Ltd  Jordan Phosphate Mines Co. Ltd (JPMC), 
87%; D101 and Arab Investment Co., 13%  Eshidiya  
Potash  Arab Potash Co. (APC)  Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan, 28%; 
Jordan Ministry of Finance, 27%; Arab 
Mining Co., 20%; Social Security Fund, 
5%; Islamic Development Bank , 5%; Iraqi 
Government , 5%; Libyan Company for 
Foreign Investment , 4%; Kuwait 
Investmen t Authority , 4%; Other , 2% Ghur Al Safi  
Potassium nitrate  Arab Fertilizers and 
Chemicals Industries 
Ltd Arab Potash Co. (APC), 100%  Aqaba  
Potassium 
sulphate  JAFCCO  Venture Capital Bank, 57.2%; Al -Fares 
Investments, 17.8%; Jordan Phosphate 
Mines Co. Ltd (JMPC); 15%, Arab Mining 
Co., 10%  Aqaba  
Salt APC Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan, 28%; 
Jordan Ministry of Finance, 27%; Arab 
Mining Co., 20%; Social Security Fund, 
5%; Islamic Development Bank , 5%; Iraqi 
Government , 5%; Libyan Company for 
Foreign Investment , 4%; Kuwait 
Investment Authority , 4%; Other , 2% Ghur Al Safi  
Sulphuric acid  JAFCCO  Venture Capital Bank, 57.2%; Al -Fares 
Investments, 17.8%; Jordan Phosphate 
Mines Co. Ltd (JMPC) , 15%; Arab Mining 
Co., 10%  Aqaba  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities . 
4.2.1.1   Phosphate  
4.34.  Jordan has the fifth -largest phosphate reserves in the world at 3.7  billion tonnes. Phosphate 
is mined through JPMC's four phosphate mines; it obtained new exploration licences in 2019. JPMC 
has an estimated reserve of 1 .250 billion tonnes, making it the world's seco nd-largest exporter. 
JPMC is also the sixth -largest producer of phosphate in the world with an annual production capacity 
of more than 7  million tonnes.22 
4.35.  Despite the decrease in production in 2020 mainly due to the COVID -19 pandemic, JPMC 
achieved record production, local sales, exports, revenues, and profits in 2021 and 2022 (Table  4.8). 
Phosphate exports accounted for 6.2% of total exports in 2021, compared with 4.8% in 2020.23 
Table 4.8 Phosphates' main in dicators, 2016 -22 
Concept  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  2022  
Production ('000  tonnes)  7,988  8,665  8,022  9,224  8,938  10,015  11,258  
Exports ('000  tonnes)  4,704  5,195  4,163  5,070  4,518  5,296  6,614  
Exports (JOD  million)  .. .. .. .. 243,056  377,015  767,646  
Consumed locally ('000  tonnes)  3,231  3,588  3,900  3,961  4,034  4,386  4,085  
Revenues (JOD  million)  367.1  335.5  327.2  339.0  296.0  500.0  914,092  
Net profit (JOD  million)  .. .. .. .. 28.1 336.4  597,582  
.. Not available.  
Source:  MEMR, Performance of Jordanian Mining Sector During 2019 -21, p. 8; and data provided by the 
authorities.  
 
22 MEMR , Performance of Jordanian Mining Sector During 2019 -2021, p. 6. Viewed  at: 
https://www.memr.gov.jo/ebv4.0/root_storage/en/eb_list_page/pofjmsd2021.pdf . 
23 MEMR , Performance of Jordanian Mining Sector During 2 019-2021, p. 8. WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 65 - 
 
  4.36.  JPMC is registered on the Amman Financial Market and its shares are traded publicly to local 
and foreign investors subject to the laws and regulations of the Market.24 
4.2.1.2   Potash  
4.37.  APC was established in 1956 for the purpose of extracting salts and chemicals from the 
Dead Sea and establishing industries based on these salts. APC and its subsidiaries are limited to 
producing potash, potassium nitrate, various chemica ls, and other derivative products, notably 
bromine, and selling them locally and for export.25 In 2021, APC achieved record sales, exports, and 
profits in 2021 (Table  4.9). Potash exports accounted for 13.1% of total exports in 2022, compared 
with 8.5% in 2021.26 
Table 4.9 Potash's main indicators, 2016 -22 
Concept  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  2022  
Production ('000 tonnes)  2,003  2,320  2,435  2,486  2,620  2,563  2,684  
Exports ('000 tonnes)  1,842  2,166  2,198  2,145  2,334  2,400  2,405 
Exports (JOD  million)  .. .. .. .. 380.3  513.1  1,055.0  
Consumed locally ('000 tonnes)  188.5  194.4  242.1  264.0  219.0  230.5  215.7  
Sales (JOD  million)  322.2  364.3  482.7  504.6  456.1  648.0  1,268.2 
Net profit (JOD  million)  62.2 89.8 124.9  151.7  126.8  217.0  601.0  
.. Not available . 
Source:  MEMR, Performance of Jordanian Mining Sector During 2019 -21, p. 8; and data provided by the 
authorities.  
4.38.  APC has exclusive rights until 2058 to exploit, manufacture , and market mineral resources 
from the Dead Sea.27 
4.2.2   Energy  
4.39.  According to the latest available figures, Jordan imported 84% of its total energy needs 
in 2021, down from 97% in 2014.28 Crude oil and oil products remain the key source of primary 
energy consumpt ion (Table  4.10), with 45.5% share in 2021, followed by natural gas (37.5%). Most 
crude oil imports come from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  
Table 4.10 Primary energy consumption by source, 2016 -21 
('000 toe (t onnes of oil equivalent))  
Type of energy source  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Crude oil and oil products  5,327  5,671  5,225  5,006  4,121  3,966  
Coal 220 165 205 143 152 226 
Pet coke  182 148 92 1 0 0 
Natural gas  3,389  3,510  3,438  3,281  3,311  3,270  
Renewable energy  412 515 753 823 982 1,245  
Imported electricity  84 13 47 12 16 19 
Total energy consumed  9,614  10,009  9,712  9,266  8,583  8,726  
Source:  MEMR, Energy 2019 – Facts & Figures ; and data provided by the authorities.  
4.40.  Final energy consumption averaged 6.4  million tonnes of oil equivalent (toe) during 2016 -21 
(Table  4.11). In 2021, the transport sector was the largest consumer (43.0%), followed by 
households (24.4%), industry (16.3%), and services and others (16.2%).  
 
24 JPMC shareholders are Jordan Investment Corporation (42.2%); Social Security Corporation (28.4%); 
the Government of the State of Kuwait (16.3%) ; Housing Bank (2.5%); Arab Petroleum Investment 
Corporation (1.3%); Arab Mining Company (1.3%) ; the Islamic Development Bank – Jeddah (0.5%); and 
others (7.5%). Information provided by the authorities.  
25 The current ownership structure comprises the Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan (28%); Jordan 
Ministry of Finance (27%); and Arab Mining Co. (20% ). Other shareholders have a less than 5% stake. 
Information provided by the authorities.  
26 Information provided by the authorities.  
27 WTO document WT/TPR/S/325/Rev.1, 5  February  2016.  
28 Information  provided by the authorities.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 66 - 
 
  Table 4.11 Final energy consumption, 2016 -21 
('000 toe)  
Sector  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Transport  3,184  3,431  3,363  3,074  2,308  2,677  
Industrial  1,064  938 954 891 935 1,017  
Household  1,342  1,549  1,463  1,484  1,487  1,520  
Services & others  826 950 981 1,109  1,045  1,008  
Total  6,416  6,868  6,761  6,560 5,774 6,222 
Source:  MEMR, Energy 2019 – Facts & Figures ; and data provided by the authorities.  
4.41.  The Master Strategy for the Energy Sector 2020 -30, developed by the MEMR, calls for a 
sustainable future energy supply, diversification of the national energy mix, increased dependency 
on the share of domestic energy resources, enhanced energy security, and reduced energy 
dependence and cost of electricity  supply.29 
4.2.2.1   Renewable energy and energy efficiency  
4.42.  Jordan's most abundantly available renewable energy resources are solar and wind, with 
smaller potential for bioenergy, hydropower , and geothermal. The Renewable Energy and Efficiency 
Law of 2012 and its am endments established the renewable energy strategy. During the review 
period, renewable energy increased its participation to 14.3% of total energy consumption in 2021, 
up from 4.3% in 2016 (Table  4.10), above the 10% target for 2020 mentioned in the 2007 -2020 
Master Strategy of the Energy Sector .30 
4.43.  The Master Strategy for the Energy Sector 2020 -2030 targets a 31% share for renewables in 
total power generation capacity. It aims to boost energy efficiency by achieving a 9% reduction of 
energy consumption by 2023 taking the energy consumption in 2018 as a base year, with mitigating 
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in line with the global GHG emissions reduction (Section  1.1).31 
4.2.2.2   Electricity  
4.44.  Electricity production grew from 19,390 GWh in 2016 to 22,106  GWh in 2021 , while over the 
same period electricity consumption went from 16,669 GWh to 19,306 GWh.32 Natural gas is 
responsible for 73% of electricity generation. Households are the largest consumers of electricity 
(48.0% in 2021), followed by the industrial sector (21.0%), and commercial sector (14.7%) 
(Table  4.12).33 
Table 4.12 Primary energy consumption by source 2016 -21 
('000 toe)  
Sector  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Household  7,448  8,076  8,038  8,260  9,100  9,269  
Industrial  3,939  3,785  3,877  3,622  3,489  4,049  
Commercial  2,447  2,655  2,507  2,870  2,584  2,831  
Water pumping  2,485  2,655  2,706  2,747  2,866  2,767  
Street lighting  350 403 404 411 387 390 
Total  16,669  17,574  17,532  17,910  18,425  19,306  
Source:  MEMR, Energy 2019 – Facts & Figures ; and data provided by the authorities.  
4.45.  The construction of the Green Corridor Project increased the capacity of the electricity 
transmission from the south to the centre of Jordan from 500  MW to 1400  MW. According to the 
 
29 MEMR, Renewables Readiness  Assessment . Viewed  at: https://www.irena.org/ -
/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2021/Feb/IRENA_RRA_Jorda n_Summary_2021_EN.pdf?la=en&hash=D
E5015E14770A43E9BFF2DFF8FAE684CED6E8EEB . 
30 MEMR, Summary of Jordan Energy Strategy 2020 -2030. Viewed  at: 
https://www.memr.gov.jo/EBV4.0/Root_Storage/EN/EB_Info_Page/StrategyEN2020.pdf . 
31 MEMR, Summary of Jordan Energy Strategy 2020 -2030. Viewed  at: 
https://www.memr.gov.jo/EBV4.0/Root_Storage/EN/EB_Info_Page/StrategyEN2020.pdf . 
32 Information provided by the authorities.  
33 MEMR, Energy 2019 – Facts & Figures. Viewed  at: 
https://www.memr.gov.jo/ebv4.0/root_storage/en/eb_list_page/bruchure_2019.pdf . WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 67 - 
 
  authorities, the Rural Electrification Program has reached 99% of electric ity coverage by developing 
the distribution networks and providing electricity access to most consumers and regions.34 
4.46.  During the review period, no significant changes were made regarding the electricity industry 
legislative framework. The principal legisl ation remains the General Electricity Law of 2002 , which 
aims to develop the sector in accordance with public interest, while encouraging local and foreign 
investment. The Law is administered by the MEMR , which is responsible for managing general 
policies pertaining to the sector; promoting the use of renewable energy; supporting a more 
competitive electricity market; and cooperating with other countries with regards to electricity 
transmission. The Law also allows private sector independent power producers (IPPs) to obtain a 
licence to generate electricity based on thermal power stations and on renewable energy.  
4.47.  As already indicated, under the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission Law No.  8 of 
2017, the MEMR's regulatory tasks relating to grant ing licences and permits were transferred to the 
EMRC.35 The EMRC  is a governmental body that possess es a legal personality with financial and 
administrative independence and is the legal successor of the Electricity Regulatory Commission 
(ERC) and the Jor dan Nuclear Regulatory Commission (JNRC) and the NRA.36 The EMRC has the sole 
power to issue licences for all operators in generation, transmission , and distribution subsectors 
responsible for regulating the electricity sector. It is also in charge of moni toring and reporting on 
progression from the single -buyer model to a competitive model. The licence for both generation 
and distribution services contains a chapter on "Tariff Methodology", which details the steps that are 
to be followed to determine the r evenue requirements, regulatory asset base, rate of return, core 
and non -core activities , and tariff equations. Article  18 of the General Electricity Law stipulates the 
procedure and conditions for settling disputes.  
4.48.  Under Electricity License Fee Regulatio n No.  30 of 2015, there is a new licensing regulation 
for power companies, which removed the exemption from licensing fees for companies generating 
power from renewable energy sources. Under the new regulation, licence fees for renewable energy 
power gener ators are as follows: one -time licence issuance fee of 1% of the company's registered 
share capital (to also be paid on any further increase of the company's registered capital); and an 
annual licence fee of 0.01 fils (JOD  0.00001) per KWh sold from the pr oject. The one -time licence 
issuance fee is to be paid upon issuance of the licence.37 
4.49.  Jordan has seven electricity generation companies with a combined capacity of nearly 
4,000  MW. Central Electricity Generation Company (CEGCO) is 40% state -owned and is t he largest 
generation company in Jordan, with a generation capacity of 1,392  MW; Samra Electric Power 
Company  is fully state -owned; and the other four companies are owned by stakeholders from Japan, 
the Republic of Korea, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and t he United  States .38 Government 
regulations stipulate that the Government should maintain ownership of transmission and power 
control, as well as purchase, sale, and power exchange with external partners. The National 
Petroleum Company's production of gas i s sold to CEGCO at a set government tariff. Additionally, 
the Jordan Bio -Gas Company Ltd also generates electricity by converting organic waste into methane 
gas.39 
4.50.  The transmission network is owned and operated by the fully state -owned National Electric 
Power Company (NEPCO).40 It is responsible for buying, transmitting, and selling electricity to 
distribution companies and large consumers; procuring natural gas for power stations; maintaining 
a safe and economic operation of the power system; im porting and exporting electricity power; and 
 
34 MEMR, Summary of Jordan Energy Strategy 2020 -2030. Viewed  at: 
https://www.memr.gov.jo/EBV4.0/Root_Storage/EN/EB_Info_Page/StrategyEN2020.pdf . 
35 MEMR, Annual Report 2021,  p. 17. Viewed  at: 
https://www.memr.gov.jo/ebv4.0/root_storage/en/eb_list_page/annual_report_2021_en.pdf . 
36 Law No.  17 of 2014 regarding the re structuring of institutions and governmental organizations. EMRC, 
General Information . Viewed  at: 
https://form.jordan.gov.jo/wps/portal/Home/GovernmentEntities/Ministries/Ministry/Ministry%20of%20Energy
%20and%20Mineral%20Resou rces/Energy%20and%20Minerals%20Regulatory%20Commission?current=true&
nameEntity=Energy%20and%20Minerals%20Regulatory%20Commission&entityType=sub . 
37 Information provided by the authorities.  
38 These are described in WTO doc ument WT/TPR/S/325/Rev.1, 5  February  2016.  
39 Jordan Bio -Gas Company Ltd is a joint -stock company owned by CEGCO and Greater Amman 
Municipality.  
40 NEPCO operates under Decree No.  10 of 1996, as amended by Decree No.  13 of 1999.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 68 - 
 
  awarding contracts for new generation. NEPCO sells the purchased electricity to the three distribution 
companies each responsible for a particular geographic region: Jordan Electricity Power Company 
(JEPCO), gra nted a 20 -year licence  in May  2014; Irbid District Electricity Company LTD (IDECO), 
granted a 25 -year licence in 2008; and Electricity Distribution Company (EDCO), granted a 25 -year 
distribution licence in 2008.  
4.51.  On 1 April 2022, as part of the  EPP, a new  electricity tariff system was implemented to reduce  
cross-subsidization. It is designed to be revenue neutral for NEPCO, reduce electricity tariffs for key 
business sectors , and reform the household tariff system in a progressive manner.41 According to 
the IMF, as a result of this new system, "NEPCO's losses were contained at around ½ percent  of GDP 
in 2021, including due to robust electricity consumption  … Moreover, NEPCO's long -term supply 
contracts for natural gas and relatively high renewable power capac ity are expected to largely shield 
it from the surge in global fuel prices in the near -term. Accordingly, NEPCO's deficit was projected 
to decline to 0.3  percent  of GDP in 2022 ".42 
4.52.  The MEMR states that efforts will continue to reduce NEPCO's losses and res tore its financial 
sustainability. This will require revenue enhancing measures, notably "time of use tariffs", installing 
meters for all houses connected to the grid, and increasing exports to neighbouring countries. 
Cost-reducing measures include reducin g the costs of LNG storage and regasification, improving 
electricity storage, and strengthen ing electricity grid interconnections with neighbours , including 
Egypt, Iraq , the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , and  Syria.43 Moreover, the MEMR is unbundling NEPCO 
accou nts into separate strategic business units to strengthen accountability.44 
4.2.2.3   Oil and natural gas  
4.53.  The MEMR oversees the development of the oil and natural gas industry and grants 
concessions for exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons. Concessions are gr anted for five to 
eight years and are subject to extension during the development phase of 25 years. The state -owned 
National Petroleum Company (NPC) has exclusive rights, until 2046, in the natural gas and crude oil 
industry. Under the Master Strategy for the Energy Sector 2020 -2030, the NPC aims to reach 
production capacity of up to 200  million cubic feet per day to help achieve energy security and 
reduce dependence on imports.45 
4.54.  The Jordan Petroleum Refinery Co. Ltd (JPRC), a government -owned  public shareholding 
company, remains the sole petroleum refinery company,  with exclusive rights for importing crude 
oil; refining, storing, transporting, and wholesaling petroleum; and maintaining petrol stations . JPRC 
is not involved in export activities  and is exempt from customs duties and fees on goods imported 
for use in the company's operations.  JPRC has a daily refining capacity of 14,000 tonnes of crude 
oil. It is "currently working on the F ourth Expansion Project, which aims mainly to increase the 
refining capacity … up to [120,000 ] barrels per day (bpd), convert heavy products (fuel oil) into 
viable light products (gasoline and diesel) and improve the specifications of the oil products produced 
in the refinery to meet Jordanian and international s pecifications. It is planned to complete the 
expansion in 2023 ".46 
4.55.  Since 2013, three companies have been given licences to import and sell petroleum products 
in Jordan.47 Licences are valid for 10  years, with three years ' exclusivity. After the expiration of the 
exclusivity period, the Government may grant licences to other oil marketing companies. 
 
41 Around 1.1  million househol ds (or 90% of total eligible households) have applied for subsidies 
through the online platform launched in January  2022. IMF (2022), Jordan: Staff Report for the Article  IV 
Consultation , IMF Country Report No. 22/221, p. 16. Viewed  at: 
https://www.elibrary.imf.org/view/journals/002/2022/221/002.2022.issue -221-en.xml . 
42 IMF Country Report No. 22/221, p. 16.  
43 Jordan is part of the Regional Electricity Connectivity Projects, which aim to increase electrical 
capacity with Egypt to 1,100  MW and  with Palestine to 80 MW; implement electricity connectivity with Iraq; 
and implement electricity connectivity with Lebano n upon reoperationalization of the electricity connectivity 
with Syria. MOPIC (2021), Government's Economic Priorities Program 2021 -2023, p. 57. Viewed  at: 
https://m op.gov.jo/EBV4.0/Root_Storage/EN/EB_HomePage/final_english_13 -9.pdf. 
44 IMF Country Report No. 22/221, p p. 103-104. 
45 NPC, About Us . Viewed  at: https://www.npc.com.jo /En/Pages/About_us . 
46 MEMR, Summary of Jordan Energy Strategy 2020 -2030, p. 9 Viewed  at: 
https://www.memr.gov.jo/EBV4.0/Root_Storage/EN/EB_Info_Page/StrategyEN2020.pdf . 
47 MEMR, Summary of Jordan Energy Strategy 2020 -2030, p. 9.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 69 - 
 
  Furthermore, until the end of the Refinery Offtake Obligation Period of six  years, licensees are 
required to purchase refined products from JPRC. Companies start ed importing diesel by mid -2016, 
gasoline 95 by end -2016, and oil products starting in May  2018.48 
4.56.  According to the MEMR, "[a] s part of the Ministry's efforts to increase the security of energy 
supply, The Jordan Oil Terminals Company (JOTC), a government -owned company, was established 
in 2015 to manage and operate the oil storage and logistics services across Jordan. The project was 
carried out to build strategic storage capacities of 440,000 cubic meters [ 250,000 -300,000 tonnes 
of oil products ] and 8,000 tons of LPG. "49 
4.57.  Jordan's long -term stable -price import contracts for gas used in electricity generation have 
also helped to contain inflation, and the authorities re -introduced blanket fuel subsidies in 
February  2022, reversing a decade -old reform, to mitigate passthrough to households 
(Section  1.2.1).50 
4.58.  According to the MEMR, "[s] ince the commercial operation of Sheikh Sabah LNG terminal in 
Aqaba in July  2015, the LNG import project has contributed to achieve the strategic goal of 
increasing the contri bution of natural gas to the overall energy mix by securing an additional source 
of natural gas supply for Jordan and the terminal has secured the power system with its full need of 
electricity ever since reaching about 88% by end of 2018 ".51 
4.59.  "The flow of Egyptian natural gas imports to Jordan has been resumed since September  2018 
to provide additional resources of natural gas supply under agreements and MOUs by both countries. 
Noble Energy has signed a gas sales and purchase agreement (GSPA) with … NEPCO t o supply Jordan 
with 215 (MMSCF/d) of natural gas over a 15 -year term starting from the date of the expected 
commercial supply at the beginning of 2020. "52 
4.3  Services  
4.60.  In 2022, the services sector represented 66.7% of Jordan's GDP (Chart  1.1), led by finance,  
insurance, real estate and business services (18.6%), producers of government services (15.6%), 
and wholesale and retail trade, restaurants , and hotels (10.6%).  
4.3.1   Financial services  
4.61.  Jordan's financial system comprises, inter alia, licensed banks, including Islamic banks; 
insurance companies; exchange companies; microfinance companies53; and specialized credit 
institutions (Table  4.13). In 2022, total assets in the financial system represented 186.8% of GDP 
(up from 179.8% in 2021), 179.9 % of which were held by licensed banks.54 
 
48 MEMR, Summary of Jordan Energy Strategy 2020 -2030, p. 9.  
49 MEMR, Summary of Jo rdan Energy Strategy 2020 -2030, p. 9. According to the Summary, 
"[t]hree LPG tanks with a capacity of 11  thousand  cubic meters (6000  tons) were added alongside with building 
six reservoirs of crude oil and oil products storage in Aqaba, with a total capaci ty of 120,000  cubic meters 
(100,000  tons), and the construction of three spherical LPG storage tanks with a total capacity of 
11,000  cubic meters (6000  tons)".  
50 IMF Country Report No. 22/221, p. 5. 
51 MEMR, Summary of Jordan Energy Strategy 2020-2030, p. 8.  
52 MEMR, Summary of Jordan Energy Strategy 2020 -2030, p. 8. Viewed  at: 
https://www.memr.gov.jo/EBV4.0/Root_Storage/EN/EB_Info_Page/StrategyEN2020. pdf. 
53 While microfinance companies have been regulated since 2015, the C BJ started regulating finance 
companies per the Finance Companies Act No.  107 of 2021 (Table  4.14).  
54 Information provided by the authorities.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 70 - 
 
  Table 4.13 Financial system structure, 2016 -22 
 2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  2022  
Number of institutions  
Banks  25 25 24 24 24 23 21 
 Foreign -owned banks  8 8 7 7 7 6 5 
 Jordanian banks  13 13 13 13 13 13 12 
 Islamic banks  4 4 4 4 4 4 4 
 Foreign -owned Islamic 
banks  1 1 1 1 1 1 1 
 Jordanian Islamic banks  1 1 3 3 3 3 3 
Insurance companies  24 24 24 24 24 23 22 
 Life insurance  1 1 1 1 1 1 1 
 General insurance  8 8 8 8 8 7 6 
 Life and general insurance  15 15 15 15 15 15 15 
 Takaful providers  2 2 2 2 2 2 2 
Microfinance companies  0 0 9 9 9 9 9 
Assets (JOD  million)  
Licensed banks assets  7,9214  48,650  50,369  53,015  56,411  60,428  3,5166  
 Foreign -owned banks  3,578  3,475  3,086  3,179  2,878  2,233  2,057  
 Jordanian banks  36,645  37,150  39,025  40,626  43,344  46,634  9,2474  
 Islamic Banks  7,699 8,025  8,259  9,210  10,189  11,561 2,2111  
 Foreign -owned Islamic 
banks  521 595 575 610 653 711 741 
 Jordanian Islamic banks  7,178  7,430 7,702 8,600 9,536 10,850 1,4701  
Microfinance companies    293 314 300 335 374 
Insurance company assets  915.6  952.4  958.0  996.2  1,029  .. .. 
 Life insurance  79.19  89.68  88.13  97.48  110.23  126.51  .. 
 General insurance  93.59  92.74  92.31  93.64  97.19  104.62  .. 
 Life and general insurance  648.06  673.18  677.18  704.53  720.95  763.43  .. 
 Takaful providers  94.76  96.82  100.4  100.52  100.92  101.87  .. 
Miscellaneous  
5 largest banks (% of total 
assets)  54.3 53.7 53.6 53.6 54.1 54.9 57.9 
3 largest insurance 
companies (% of gross 
premiums)  .. .. .. .. .. 31.5 .. 
NPL ratio (% of total assets)  2.0 2.1 2.5 2.5 2.7 2.4 2.2 
.. Not available.  
Source:  CBJ, Annual Report 2021 ; and data provided by the authorities.  
4.62.  In June  2021, the insurance sector came under the purview of the Central Bank of Jordan 
(CBJ).55 Under the Central Bank of Jordan Law, the CBJ is an autonomous corporate body mandated 
to regulate, monitor, and supervise the banking sector. According to the IMF, the CBJ has continued 
to work on strengthening its prudential supervision of the financial sector.  
4.63.  On 22  May 2023, instructions for the insurance companies regarding the Solvency Margin 
Requirements No.  7/2023 were issued. The objective is to develop a risk -based solv ency regime that 
would provide incentives for insurance companies to better manage risk as well as help the CBJ to 
get a better perspective of the risk profiles for each insurance company and the market as a whole. 
The new framework is forward -looking and encourages insurance market development.56 
4.64.  Several regulatory changes have been implemented over the past few years, or are in 
preparation, affecting banking and insurance services (Table  4.14).  
 
55 Insurance Regulatory Law No.  12 of 2021, published in the Official Gazette on 16  May 2021.  
56 Inform ation provided by the authorities.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 71 - 
 
  Table 4.14 Key financial regulatory changes, 2016 -22 
Legislation  Main amendments  
Amended Central 
Bank Law No.  24 of 
2016a Expansion of the CBJ's objectives by stating explicitly that one of the objectives of CBJ is 
maintaining financial stability besides the primary goal of monetary stability.  
Entrench legally the CBJ's role in contributing to the achievement of financial stability in 
Jordan as one of its primary goals, in addition to strengthening the governance of the CBJ's 
Board of Directors and expanding its supervisory authority, as well as strengthening the 
independence of CBJ and its decisions.  
Authorization of the CBJ to establish the corporate governance rules in all banks and financial 
institutions under its  surveillance and supervision.  
Possibility of expanding the monetary policy parties in accordance with the terms and 
conditions that the CBJ's Board of Directors deems appropriate to include any financial 
institution that the CBJ realizes that its activiti es do impact any of its objectives and tasks.  
Detailed the role of CBJ in providing exceptional liquidity facilities as a lender of last resort to 
the banks that might need liquidity due to emerging situations that threaten monetary or 
financial stability in Jordan; expanding CBJ's authorities to set the required compulsory 
reserve ratio in order to improve this tool in a way that facilitates the implementation of the 
CBJ tasks.  
Amended Banking 
Law No.  7 of 2019  Regulate the effective ownership interest in bank's capital.  
Entitle the CBJ to set controls and standards for selecting bank's external auditors.  
Enable the CBJ to take standby measures to address troubled banks to prevent their 
liquidation and achieve stability.  
Enhancing corporate gove rnance (separation of executive management from Board of 
Directors).  
Changes in the selection mechanism of the Board Members.  
Number of members composing the Board set at not less than seven, of which independent 
members not to exceed half of the Board.  
No prior requirement consent by the CBJ for direct and indirect ownership amendments and 
transfer of bank shares.  
CBJ prior consent for acquisition effective ownership interest in bank (10% bank's capital).  
CBJ entitle d to impose regulatory ratios in based on international accounting and supervision 
standards.  
CBJ define ad hoc  requirements for external auditors.  
Rules of governance of the Shariah supervisory boards for Islamic banks.  
Amended Deposit 
Insurance 
Corporation Law 
No. 8 of 2019  Established a fun d at Islamic banks based on Wakalah agency contracts . 
Insurance 
Regulatory Law 
No. 12 of 2021  Replaced the Insurance Regulatory Act of 1999 and its amendments.  
The insurance sector came under the purview of the CBJ.  
The most important aspects of Law No.  12 of 2021 refer to corporate governance, licensing, 
resolution and intervention powers, corrective and preventive measures, and confidentiality.  
Finance Companies 
Act No. 107 of  2021 The CBJ started regulating finance companies.  
All finance companies have  a grace period of two years to fulfil the legal requirements of the 
Act and be licensed accordingly.  
a Detailed amendments are illustrated in the CBJ's Financial Stability Report, 2016 , Chapter 3 . 
Source:  CBJ, Financial Stability Report, 2020 ; and information from the authorities.  
4.65.  In December  2017, the CBJ launched its National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2018 -20 (NFIS). 
It aims at enhancing access to the financial services of the formal sectors, in a fair, transparent, and 
responsible manner. The NFIS comprises five pillars: enhancing financial education; financial 
consumer protection; financing SMEs; microfinance services; and digital financial services.57 
4.66.  Jordan made substantial GATS commitments in key areas of financial services conc erning 
investment banking, insurance services , and banking. There are no restrictions on full foreign 
ownership of insurance companies and banks incorporated in Jordan , as well as those establishing 
subsidiaries and branches. No financial services were exc luded from the commitments.58 
4.3.1.1   Banking  
4.67.  In 2022, there were 21 licensed banks operating in Jordan, consisting of 5 foreign branches 
operating in Jordan and 16  Jordanian banks (Table  4.13). The equity share owned by foreign banks 
was 6.7% of licensed banks' t otal capital at the end of 2022. There are four Islamic banks : three 
Jordanian and one foreign. The sector also consists of 117 licensed money changers with 
 
57 CBJ, Financial Stability Report , 2020. 
58 WTO document WT/TPR/S/325/Rev.1, 5  February  2016.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 72 - 
 
  162 branches. In 2022, licensed banks' assets were the equivalent of 179.9% of GDP, whil e the five 
largest banks accounted for around 57.9% of the sector's total assets.59 
4.68.  According to the IMF, the banking system has remained healthy, but asset quality bears close 
monitoring. The capital adequacy ratio (CAR) remained strong at 18% in 2021, well above th e 
regulatory minimum of 12%, and non -performing loans remain stable. Loans have continued to be 
stably funded and profitability recovered. Moreover, the C BJ successfully preserved financial stability 
through the pandemic, including by maintaining robust in ternational reserve buffers, and stringent 
provisioning standards.60 
4.69.  Credit extended by licensed banks totalled JOD  32.6 billion  at the end of 2022, compared to 
JOD 30 billion  in 2021. The construction sector accounts for the largest percentage of credit f acilities, 
followed by "other" representing credit extended to individuals (Table  4.15).  
Table 4.15 Credit facilities by economic activity, 2016 -22 
(JOD million)  
Economic activity  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021 2022  
Agriculture  304.5  337.3  336.7  336.5  416.8  453.3  534.6  
Mining  288.4  255.2  355.7  296.4  236.6  168.2  130.7  
Industry  2,203.4  2,724.2  3,064.3  3,353.6  3,525.4  3,484.5  3,786.9  
General trade  4,075.5  4,230.9  4,470.6  4,231.1  4,524.3  4,453.1  4,698.0  
Construction  5,827.7  6,601.0  6,830.9  6,975.4  7,261.5  7,718.5  8,237.0  
Transportation 
services  355.8  354.3  328.9  343.1  385.6  394.7  368.5  
Tourism, hotels, 
and restaurants  597.7  619.7  592.1  638.0  735.6  713.5  685.1  
Public services and 
utilities  3,296.2  3,707.2  3,852.9  4,269.0  4,360.9  4,608.8  5,268.4  
Financial services  577.2  632.5  768.2  634.8  655.7  763.5  791.9  
Other  5,379.4  5,274.5  5,511.5  6,004.3  6,536.7  7,270.4  8,090.4  
- of which buying 
shares  168.6  158.0  152.1  212.2  268.7  346.8  466.2  
Total  22,905.8  24,736.8  26,111.8  27,082.2  28,639.1  30,028.5  32,591.5  
Source:  Information  provided by the authorities.  
4.70.  The Jordan Deposits Insurance Corporation (JODIC) is a legal entity status established to 
protect depositors with banks by insuring their  deposits with an insurance sum up to JOD  50,000 for 
all licensed banks operating in Jordan. Membership in the Corporation is mandatory for all Jordanian 
banks and foreign branches operating in the country, with the exception of the branches of Jordanian 
banks operating outside Jordan. The JODIC's capital is jointly paid by a government contribution of 
JOD 1 million and JOD  100,000 per member. After the issuance of the amended JODIC's law in 2019, 
depositors at licensed Islamic banks operating in Jordan hav e also been protected by the Deposit 
Insurance Fund for Islamic banks. Their deposits are insured with an insurance sum up to 
JOD 50,000. This Fund enjoys a legal entity status and is being managed by JODIC.61 
4.71.  The main legislation governing the banking sector in Jordan remains Banking Law No.  28 
of 2000 and its amendments. The CBJ is responsible for approving and revoking licences of Jordanian 
banks and foreign banks and the opening of their branches . To obtain a licence to operate in Jordan, 
a bank must be a public shareholding company, whil e subsidiaries, offshore companies, and 
branches of foreign banks are exempt. Branches of foreign banks must obtain prior approval from 
the regulator in their home country an d the CBJ before applying for a licence. The CBJ's decision on 
granting licences considers whether reciprocal treatment is granted by the bank's home country. 
Upon commencing its activities in Jordan through one or more branches, a foreign bank is required  
to appoint a resident regional manager at its branch or branches in Jordan. Such an appointment 
shall be based on an official document providing that the manager must be fully responsible for the 
activities, assets, and management of the branch before the  CBJ and other official agencies.62 
 
59 Information provided by the authorities.  
60 IMF Country Report No.  23/49, pp. 13-14. 
61 Information provided by the authorities.  
62 WTO document WT/TPR/S/325/Rev.1, 5  February  2016.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 73 - 
 
  4.72.  The minimum capital requirement for Jordanian banks is JOD  100 million and JOD  50 million 
for branches of foreign banks. The CBJ issues its decision on licensing within three months of the 
application date in the form of  a preliminary approval or final rejection. If approved, banks are 
required to implement the stipulated requirements and provisions, including full payment of the 
minimum capital requirement. Within three months of the applicant confirming the fulfilment o f such 
obligations, the CBJ will issue final licensing. The CBJ charges are (i)  a one -time, non -refundable 
licence application fee of JOD  1,000; (ii)  a one -time licence fee of JOD  1 million; and (iii)  an annual 
fee of JOD  2,000 for each licensed branch or office in Jordan plus a fee of 0.005% of the licensed 
bank's total assets belonging to the branches operating in Jordan (subject to a minimum of 
JOD 10,000).  
4.73.  Licensed banks are not, without prior approval from the CBJ, permitted, inter alia, to 
terminate t heir activities; open new branches or offices in Jordan or abroad; own shares in another 
bank or certain companies specified in the Banking Law; or employ foreigners. The CBJ is responsible 
for regulating the number of foreign employees and their ratio to total employed persons in the 
sector. In addition, licensed banks are prohibited from engaging in non -financial activities. 
Additionally, with a view to keeping the banking sector competitive and efficient, the CBJ may grant 
incentives, such as the provisi on of soft loans, to encourage mergers.  
4.74.  The CBJ has issued regulations and instructions applicable to a ll banks and their subsidiaries 
operating in Jordan as well as subsidiaries and branches of Jordanian banks located abroad with 
respect to anti-money lau ndering and terrorist financing . Under the instructions,  banks are required 
to implement internal system procedures to classify all of their customers and apply controls 
according to the degree of risk. In addition, banks are required to keep records and d ocuments of 
domestic or international financial transactions for a minimum of five years.  
4.3.1.2   Insurance  
4.75.  Insurance accounted for 2.1% of GDP in 2022, while insurance penetration (total premiums 
as a percentage of GDP) was almost 700%.  Gross premiums reached JOD  10,896  million in 2021. 
The three largest insurance companies in Jordan had a combined market share  of 31.5% in 2021 
(Table  4.13).63 The insurance sector is divided into life insurance and general insurance. In 2022, 
there were 6 general insurance companies, 1 life insurance company, and 15 companies providing 
both general and life insurance (Table  4.13). In addition, there are two Islamic insurers ( Takaful 
providers) in Jordan . In 2022, Takaful providers accounted for 12.5% of total premiums.64 In 2022, 
of the insurance premiums collected, motor insurance continues to account for the largest share 
(35.0%), followed by medical (29.2%) and life insurance (17.4%) (Table  4.16).  
Table 4.16 Insurance premiums collected, 2016 -22 
(JOD million)  
 2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  2022  
Maritime  20.56  18.03  17.80  16.05  16.07  17.5 18.46  
Fire 74.75  73.20  70.03  68.09  74.69  75.77  83.63  
Motor  225.18  232.97  227.50  234.36  212.42  226.11  245.00  
Accidentsa 20.34  21.18  22.01  21.78  19.13  23.82  26.58  
Life 70.60  79.80  86.09  85.70  92.68  109.28  121.66  
Medical  171.50  168.90  182.38  189.31  178.45  193.67  204.23  
Total  582.90  594.10  605.81  615.29  593.44  646.15  699.56  
a Includes insurance on credit, liability, aviation, and other general classes.  
Source:  Information  provided by the authorities.  
4.76.  On 16  May 2021, Insurance Regulatory Law No.  12 of 2021 was enacted and came into force 
on 15  June 2021.65 It repealed Insurance Regulatory Act No.  33 of 1999 and amendments. 
Nonetheless, the Regulations, Instructions and Deci sions, issued by virtue thereof, remain in effect 
until repealed or replaced. Under the new law, insurance companies licensed to transact both life 
and general insurance must separate between investments and provision for each type of insurance; 
 
63 Information provided by the authorities.  
64 Information pro vided by the authorities.  
65 Law No.  12 of 2021. Viewed  at: https://www.cbj.gov.jo/EchoBusV3.0/SystemAssets/38428a26 -d787-
4291-b4da-a07736f44c41.pdf . WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 74 - 
 
  and no per son shall be permitted to transact insurance business and insurance services business 
before obtaining the licence.  
4.77.  Insurance Regulatory Law No.  12 of 2021 applies to insurance companies, reinsurance 
companies, and insurance service providers, as well as t o Takaful insurance. According to the new 
law, employees of an insurance company must , with a few exceptions , be Jordanian nationals.66 It 
Liabilities and moveable or immovable properties in Jordan must be insured with a Jordanian 
company .67 
4.78.  In February  2016, the Council of Ministers decided that the CBJ assumed the oversight of the 
insurance sector, replacing the M ITS and the Insurance Commission (IC). On 15  June 2021, the CBJ 
assumed the role of insurance supervisor and regulator through its Insurance Sup ervision 
Department , aiming at ensuring the soundness of the financial position and protect ing the insured 
and beneficiaries in accordance with the legislation in force. The main aims of the new supervisory 
framework are improving financial adequacy of ins urance companies; implementing regulatory 
requirements to ensure separation between life and general insurance business; implementing 
prudential regulatory requirements on investment policies on insurance companies; determining 
supervisory powers and respo nsibilities in insurance companies owned by financial companies; and 
enhancing the corporate governance requirements of insurance companies.68 
4.79.  To qualify for a licence, an applicant must be a public shareholding company established in 
Jordan, a branch of a  foreign company, or a subsidiary of a foreign insurance company or an offshore 
company. There are no limitations on foreign equity. The licensing procedures are the same for 
Jordanian and foreign insurance companies including documenting the authorized ca pital and the 
amount earmarked for underwriting. However, foreign companies must obtain prior approval from 
the CBJ  and the authorities in the  company's home country. Additionally, a branch of a foreign 
insurance company must appoint an Authorized Manager to transact the insurance business of the 
branch. Licences are granted or rejected within five months. Minimum capital requirements are 
JOD 25 million for life or general insurance providers, and JOD  100 million for reinsurance 
companies.69 
4.80.  Companies are also required to submit the technical framework for their insurance policies 
and premium rates , which must be  approved by the CBJ. Premium rates for motor insurance are 
compulsory and, under the Motor Insurance Regulation, rates are determined by the Govern ment. 
Companies must receive prior approval from the CBJ before proceeding with any merger or voluntary 
liquidation.70 
4.81.  Under Insurance Regulatory Law No.  12 of 2021, the fees charged by the CBJ are (i)  an annual 
fee not exceeding 4.5 per thousand of the gross written premiums for insurance and reinsurance 
companies; (ii)  an annual fee collected from entities other than insurance companies; (iii)  a licence 
fee; (iv)  for granting a licence to a company; (v)  for approval to open a branch; (vi)  for granting a 
licence to a foreign insurance company and insurance service provider not operating in Jordan 
(headquarters and representative offices).71 
4.3.1.3   Capital market  
4.82.  During the review period, there were no major changes regarding the structure of Jordan's 
capital mar ket. T he Securities Law No.  23 of 1997 and the Securities Law No.  18 of 2017 and its 
amendments are the main pieces of legislation governing the sector. The Securities Law No.  18 
of 2017 and its amendments replaced the Securities Law of 2002. Under the Sec urities Law No.  23 
of 1997, the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE), the Securities Depository Centre (SDC) , and the Jordan 
 
66 Article  101 regarding p rior approval of the CBJ to employ non -Jordanian s. The CBJ is authorized to 
determine the ratio of non -Jordanian employees relative to the total number of employees.  
67 Article  6 regarding  permission t o conduct insurance business with an insurance company outside 
Jordan, after obtaining a prior written approval from the CBJ according to any of the following cases: 
(i) absence of insurance company in Jordan licensed to conduct the insurance type, or abse nce of the required 
insurance contract; and (ii)  reluctance or inability of insurance companies operating in Jordan for justified 
reasons to provide this insurance coverage.  
68 Information provided by the authorities.  
69 Information provided by the authoriti es. 
70 Information provided by the authorities.  
71 Article  95 of Insurance Regulatory Law No.  12 of 2021 . WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 75 - 
 
  Securities Commission (JSC) were created. The SDC is responsible for register, deposit, transfer of 
ownership, and clearing and settlement of  deposited securities as well as clearing and settlement of 
security transactions. The JSC is a financially and administratively independent legal entity 
responsible for regulating the national capital market and protecting investors.72 
4.83.  The JSC's responsib ilities include monitoring; auditing of financial services companies and 
financial professionals; registering and regulating mutual funds; authorizing accounting, auditing, 
and performance evaluations; and regulating issued and traded securities. In additi on, the JSC is 
responsible for the supervision and oversight of the ASE, the SDC, public shareholding companies' 
exporting securities, licensed financial service companies, registered natural persons performing 
financial service activities, mutual funds, a nd investment companies.73 Currently, 226 public 
shareholding companies issuing securities and 83 financial services companies, and their registered 
persons , are subject to the supervision and oversight by the JSC.74 
4.84.  The JSC is responsible for implementing the Foreign Stock Exchanges Law No.  1 of 2017, the 
Islamic Finance Sukuk Law No.  30 of 2012, and the Corporate Governance Instructions 2017. The 
JSC is also responsible for issuing licences to entities providing cert ain financial services, including 
financial brokerage, investment trusteeship, investment management, financial advisory, 
custodianship, issuance, and margin financing. The Securities Law No.  18 of 2017 and its 
amendments and the Instructions on Financial Services Licensing and Registration of 2005 define 
the requirements for granting such licences. Financial services companies are able to obtain a single 
licence for several services. The JSC is also responsible for issuing licences to entities that provide  
financial services in the foreign market.75 
4.85.  Banks, shareholding companies, limited liability companies, and private shareholding 
companies whose main objectives are to provide financial services and custodial activities are eligible 
to apply for licences.  Brokerage activities conducted by banks must be done through a subsidiary, 
affiliate, or their fully  owned companies. Companies can only provide financial services through 
natural persons registered by the JSC (Instructions of Financial Services Licensing  and Registration, 
Article  3). 
4.86.  Licences are issued annually and are renewable. Minimum capital requirements for licence 
applicants range from JOD  10,000 to JOD  5 million, depending on the activity. T he JSC has 
"Extensible Business Reporting Language" that allows it to revise the financial position of the 
brokerage firms and then to submit their data to JSC electronically.  
4.87.  Companies that have obtained op eration rights from the MITS for at least a year are permitted 
to register shares on the second market  of the ASE , subject to certain conditions. To be listed on 
the first market of the ASE, companies must have net pre -tax profits for two fiscal years at l east 
within the last three years preceding the transfer of listing, provided that the average of the 
company's net pre -tax profit for the last three years shall not be less than 5% of the company's 
paid-in capital. Additionally, the ratio of the free float  shares in the company to its paid -in capital at 
the end of its fiscal year shall not be less than 10% if its paid -in capital is less than JOD  50 million. 
The number of the company's shareholders at the end of its fiscal year shall not be less than 
100 shareholders and the company's paid -in capital shall not be less than JOD  5 million. Also, the 
net shareholders' equity in the company shall not be less than 100% of its paid -in capital, and its 
shares have to be listed for at least a full year on the second market.  
4.88.  The ASE was established as a public, non -profit organization with financial and legal 
independence in 1999. The ASE is composed of 54  brokerage firms and 167  listed companies as of 
April 2023. Foreign securities, excluding investment funds, may be listed on the ASE if they have 
been listed on a foreign stock exchange for a minimum of two years. Also, the foreign issuer shall 
submit a certified document from the supervisory entity in its origin country, indicting the latter's 
approval to list such se curities on the ASE. Net foreign investment at the ASE was JOD -68.0 million 
in 2022, compared with JOD  237.1  million in 2016. In 2022, ASE -listed companies had a 85.5% rise 
in profits after tax attributed to shareholders compared to 2021, reaching JOD  2.4 billion. The 
 
72 Article  95 of Insurance Regulatory Law No.  12 of 2021 . 
73 WTO document WT/TPR/S/325/Rev.1, 5  February  2016.  
74 Information provided by the authorities.  
75 Information provided by the authorities.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 76 - 
 
  industrial sector had the highest earning in 2022 with USD  1.9 billion in profits, followed by the 
financial sector (USD  1.2 billion) and services (USD  341.2  million).76 
4.3.2   Telecommunications  
4.89.  In 2022, the telecommunications sector accounted for 3.5% of GDP.77 During the 
period  2016-22, a significant increase occurred in the number of Internet users and in international 
bandwidth capacity. All mobile cellular subscriptions are broadband since 2018 (Table  4.17).  
4.90.  Telecommunications tariffs and the c ost of broadband Internet connections have fallen for 
business and residential users in Jordan, and the variety of services offered and their quality have 
increased over the last few years. In the latest ITU report, Jordan  is one of the Arab states in which 
the fixed broadband prices met the affordability threshold of 2% monthly gross national income 
(GNI) per capita.78 Moreover, "Jordan offered the best value for money in the region at [purchasing 
power parity] PPP$  0.6 per GB, thanks to a 45  GB allowance ".79 Nonetheless, Jordan was not among 
the countries where connection speeds of 30 Mbit/s or higher were offered in the benchmark 
basket.80 
Table 4.17 Selected telecoms indica tors, 2016 -22 
Indicator  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  2022  
Fixed telephone 
subscriptions  359,280  328,028  319,040  317,411  370,389  427,517  481,101  
Mobile cellular subscriptions 
(million)  9.82 9.70 8.73 7.78 6.99 7.28 7.62 
Internet users (%)  55.6 64.50  65.20  70.08  75.45  86.00  90.50a 
Fixed broadband 
subscriptions  300,786  351,917  403,339  487,670  620,141  714,730  796,241  
Mobile broadband 
subscriptions (million)  9.82 9.7 8.73 7.78 6.99 7.28 7.62 
International bandwidth, in 
Mbit/s  213,029  328,375  365,672  536,936  909,591  1,256,712  1,736,302  
a Preliminary data.  
Source:  ITU, Statistics . Viewed  at: https://www.itu.int/en/ITU -D/Statistics/Pages/stat/default.aspx ; and data 
provided by the authorities . 
4.91.  During the review period, there were no m ajor legislative and institutional changes regarding 
telecoms. The Telecommunications Law No.  13 of 1995 , as amended, remains the main legislation 
governing the sector. It sets out the tasks of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship 
(MoDEE, p reviously the Ministry of Information and Communications) and established the 
Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC). The MoDEE is responsible for formulating policy, 
while the TRC is responsible for the regulatory function, which includes, inter alia, issuing licences; 
monitoring and approving interconnection agreements; regulating competition safeguards; and 
settling disputes. Wholesale rates are based on a market review, which emphasizes top -down LRIC 
(long run incremental cost) pricing. Licensed  operators are free to negotiate interconnection 
agreements among themselves. However, all agreements need TRC approval before being 
implemented.81 
4.92.  Under the Telecommunications Law, dispute settlement is handled by one Commissioner of 
the TRC, who is respo nsible for concluding settlements, drawing up guidelines for negotiations 
between disputing parties, and resolving disputes. The Commissioner's decision can be appealed 
internally  before the Board of Commissioners within 30  days. The TRC's regulatory respo nsibilities 
include creating effective competition in the sector. This includes adopting legislation to achieve 
effective competition; implementing regulations for markets lacking effective competition, such as 
the fixed -phone subsector; adopting licensing  instructions to simplify procedures; and handling 
 
76 Information provided by the authorities.  
77 Data provided by the authorities.  
78 ITU (2021), Measuring Digital Developm ent: ICT Price Trends 2020 . Viewed  at: 
https://www.itu.int/en/ITU -D/Statistics/Documents/publications/prices2020/ITU_ICTPriceTrends_2020.pdf . 
79 ITU (2021), Measuring Digital Development: ICT Price Trends 2020 , p. 15.  
80 The report analyses prices and trends through five representative baskets of services: data -only 
mobile broadband, fixed broadband, mobile cellular (low usage), data and voice low consumption, and data 
and voice high consumption. ITU (2021), Measuring Dig ital Development: ICT Price Trends 2020 , p. ix.  
81 Information provided by the authorities.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 77 - 
 
  complaints regarding anti -competition practices in coordination with the Competition Directorate 
under the MoDEE . Furthermore, there is an MoU  between MoDEE  and the TRC regarding competition 
cases in the s ector. Since then, the sector has been liberalized and is open to competition: the 
Commission no longer regulates prices on telecommunication s services, which are now determined 
by the market.82 
4.93.  The TRC regulatory framework for universal services stipulate s universal services obligations, 
selected from licensed service operators and contributions to the Universal Service Fund. The Fund 
is financially independent, receiving contributions from licensed companies whose operating revenue 
is more than 1% of tota l revenues. The TRC determines the compensation amount depending on 
the ratio of company revenue versus total revenues. Universal services include access to the Internet 
and telephone services to all persons, with special consideration for people with disa bilities , in all 
geographical areas, and at an affordable cost. The Fund is still to be established and to date no 
compensation has been granted in lieu of universal service provision.83 
4.94.  There are still two licensing systems applied to the telecom sector i n Jordan84: 
• The individual licence fee of JOD  100,000 that must be obtained by all public telecom 
network operators or by operators providing telecom services using scarce resources; 
and 
• The class licence fee of JOD  30,000 that must be obtained by all public telecom service 
providers not using scarce resources.  
4.95.  Jordan's telecommunications sector consists of 4 4 companies licensed for public 
telecommunication s services, of which, 1 9 are individual licences and 2 5 class licences. The licensing 
systems do not have any limitation on the number of licences granted or the type and range of 
non-public mobile wireless services. Approvals of licences take into consideration normal network 
safeguards, security, use of scar ce resources , and technical limitations. The applicant for a licence 
must be a registered Jordanian company with no limits on foreign ownership.85 The TRC is studying 
the need for updating the current licensing framework in order to facilitate market entry  for new 
services such as the Internet of Things (IOT).  
4.96.  Jordan Telecom Group (JTG)86 continues to be the dominant provider of fixed telephony and 
broadband services using xDSL87 and fibre optics networks. Over the last few years, Jordan has 
witnessed a sig nificant increase in fixed telecommunications services. There are eight companies 
with fixed broadband services based on fibre optics network (FTTH), and two wholesale service 
providers with FTTH.88 
4.97.  There are three mobile phone operators in Jordan, all of which are foreign -owned: Zain 
remains the largest mobile phone provider accounting for 45% of the market in terms of number of 
active lines in 2022 , followed by Jordan Telecom Group (Orange mobile) (30%) and Umniah Mobile 
Company (25%).89 
4.98.  In order to ensur e the adoption of the latest technologies and to cope with users' needs for 
high-quality broadband data, the TRC and the Government provide stimulus packages for mobile 
network providers to incentivize them to get the necessary radio spectrum to provide 5G  services in 
Jordan. Such financial incentives include, for example, reduced acquisition fees for 100  MHz 
(JOD 24 million) compared with the previous technologies' fees ( 3G&4G) with instalments, reduced 
annual spectrum fees, a custom exemption for 5G -related equipment, revenue share restructuring , 
 
82 Information provided by the authorities.  
83 Information provided by the authorities.  
84 Information provided by the authorities.  
85 Information provided by the autho rities.  
86 JTG was previously state -owned. It is now majority owned by Orange, with the Government 
owning  28.9% . JTG had the exclusive right to provide fixed -phone services until 2005.  
87 xDSL is a transmission technology on existing copper telephone lines.  
88 FTTH includes  fibre-optic access solutions designed for residential deployments . In FTTH networks, 
fibres are directly connected to individual homes or multitenant buildings.  
89 Inform ation provided by the authorities.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 78 - 
 
  and a 10-year extension of telecommunications licences . TRC uses the direct award for assigning 
5G spectrum and ensures similar treatment for all mobile operators.  
4.99.  Jordan made substantial commitments for telecommu nications services under the GATS, in 
basic and value -added services. Basic telecommunication s services included voice telephony, 
packet -switched data transmission (Internet), circuit -switched data transmission, and private leased 
circuit services. There a re no remaining limitations regarding market access or national treatment 
in any of the scheduled telecom services, apart from mode 4 , which is subject to a generally 
applicable horizontal entry.90 Jordan also undertook obligations as set out in the WTO Re ference 
Paper on Telecommunications Services.91 
4.3.3   Transport  
4.100.   The transport sector accounts for 5.3% of GDP and employs 5.9% of the total work force.92 
The transport sector also contributes significantly to Jordan's energy imports bill (USD  3.7 billion 
in 2019).93 
4.101.   The Ministry of Transport (MOT) is responsible for the sector. In 2014, the Long -Term 
National Transport Strategy was launched, aiming to inte grate all transport subsectors  (i.e. land, 
maritime, air, and rail ) through a long -term transport strategy running until 2030. The Strategy 
contains five policy pillars: completing the existing networks and optimizing the usage of these 
transport facilitie s; promoting private participation; heightening environmental protection; 
improving  the regional transport dimension; and increasing  the participation of citizens.94 The 
second  phase was completed in 2018  providing a new model for the passenger and goods 
transportation sector.  
4.102.   According to the Jordan Public Transport Diagnostic and Recommendations Report 2022, the 
estimated cost of transport -related inefficiencies is about USD  3 billion a year, or at least 6% of GDP 
including the cost of traffic congestion,  fatalities, injuries, environmental degradation, not counting  
the negative impact on women's participation in the labour force (Section  1.1).95 
4.103.   According to the same report, Jordan has not yet been able to decouple economic growth 
from carbon emissions. T ransport, together with energy, is the main contributor to GHG emissions. 
Jordan's transport sector's GHG emissions are estimated to have increased over 11,000  gigagrams 
over the past 15  years, increasing the cost to the economy from USD  500 million to USD  1billion per 
year.96 
4.3.3.1   Air transport  
4.104.   The Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission (CARC) is responsible for the implementation of 
government air transport policy, which operates within the legal framework of the Civil Aviation Law 
No. 41 of 2007 and its Regulat ion. CARC's objectives include removing all unnecessary restrictions 
in Jordan's international aviation market with respect to market access and other regulatory 
 
90 Jordan's horizontal section schedule of commitments specifies certain access opportunities for 
business visitors, intra -corporate transferees, executives, managers, and specialists.  
91 WTO document WT/TPR/S/325/Rev.1, 5  February  2016.  
92 Data provided by the authorities.  
93 World Bank Group, Jordan Public Transport Diagnostic and Recommendations, February  2022. 
Viewed  at: 
https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/099825106052213281/pdf/P17389502814af03b0a85e0a27bbb
baa260.pdf . 
94 Ministry of Transport, Long-Term National Transport Strategy Project . Viewed  at: 
https://www.mot.gov.jo/EBV4.0/Root_Storage/EN/EB_Info_Page/long -
term_national_transport_strategy_project.pdf . 
95 Women make up only one  third of the passengers on public transport in Jordan, and less than 50% 
use public transport.  World Bank Group, Jordan Public Transport Diagnostic and Recommendations, 
February  2022. Viewed  at: 
https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/099825106052213281/pdf/P17389502814af03b0a85e0a27bbb
baa260.pdf . 
96 World Bank Group, Jordan Public Transport Diagnostic and Recommendations, February  2022. WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 79 - 
 
  processes. CARC may use its regulatory powers in circumstances where an effective or actual 
monopoly exists under Jordan's air services agreement.97 
4.105.   Under the Civil Aviation Regulation98, CARC is responsible for granting exclusive and 
non-exclusive route licences. For exclusive routes, CARC publishes on its website for 14  days an 
application for route licences situated under scarce capacity. The applications submitted by the 
concerned airlines are reviewed by a specialized panel in CARC (Ro ute Licensing Panel), which holds 
a hearing if the application is uncontested to make a comparison between the airline companies for 
granting such route licences. Exclusive routes in operation are also subject to CARC monitoring to 
make sure that the airli nes are committed to operate the route as agreed. Non -exclusive routes are 
allocated through a decision by the Route Licensing Panel appointed by the Commissioner Council 
of CARC.99 
4.106.   Charges and fees are collected by the CARC on the basis of any action or service it has 
provided in accordance with Fees and Charges Act No. 45 of 2007 and its amendments. Such actions 
and services include issuing licences, permits, and certificates , as we ll as the use of Jordanian Civil 
Airports and air navigation facilities. Aircraft landing charges are based on the aircraft's maximum 
take-off weight and are charged in three brackets per tonnage. Charter flights and helicopters are 
charged 50% less. Other  charges include air bridge charges, parking charges, inside and outside 
hanger charges , and air navigation service charges.100 
4.107.   All aircraft overflying or landing in one of Jordan's civil airports are required to have a flight 
permit. The procedure varies d epending on cargo, landing purpose, and whether the flight is 
commercial or non -commercial. For a landing or overflying permit issued to a foreign company with 
flights of special purpose (air taxi) and privately owned planes, a Supervisor Local Agent must handle 
the application process. Such agents must be licensed by CARC, and, as at end -2022, there were 
nine Supervisor Local Agency companies listed.101 
4.108.   Foreign ownership is limited to less than 50 % in scheduled and non -scheduled passenger, 
freight, and mail  air transport services , as well as aircraft rental services with an operator. 
Furthermore, air transport and auxiliary services, freight forwarding services, packing and crating 
services, and freight inspection services are limited to Jordanian nationals or legal entities.102 
4.109.   Privatization of Royal Jordanian Airlines started in 2006. As of end -2022, the Government's 
Investment Management Company held an 86.2% stake with an additional 3.1% stake held through 
the state -owned Social Security Corporation. The C apital Bank of Jordan holds a 3.7% share. Other 
entities have around 7% stake.103 
4.110.   There are three major airports in Jordan : two in Amman and one in Aqaba. Jordan's main 
airport is Queen Alia International Airport , handling the majority of all passengers (approximately 
7.8 million in 2022 ) and 68,300 landings in 2022  (Table  4.18).104 
 
97 WTO document WT/TPR/S/325/Rev.1, 5  February  2016.  
98 Civil Aviation Regulation , Part 205.  
99 Information provided by the authorities.  
100 Information provided b y the authorities.  
101 Information provided by the authorities.  
102 Information provided by the authorities.  
103 Information provided by the authorities.  
104 Information  provided by the authorities.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 80 - 
 
  Table 4.18 Air traffic by aircraft and number of passengers, 2019 -22 
('000)  
Airport  2019  2020  2021  2022  
Aircraft  Passengers  Aircraft  Passengers  Aircraft  Passengers  Aircraft  Passengers  
Queen Alia International Airport  
Arrivals  40 4,525  12 1,010  23 2,340  34 3,937  
Departures  40 4,491  12 1,041  23 2,219  34 3,903  
Amman Civil Airport  
Arrivals  2 5 1 2 1 4 1 4 
Departures  2 6 1 2 1 5 1 4 
King Hussein International Airport  
Arrivals  2 115 2 88 2 58 2 113 
Departures  2 128 2 92 2 56 2 128 
Source:  Information  provided by the authorities.  
4.111.   Since 2007, Queen Alia International Airport has been operated by Airport International 
Group (AIG), under a 25 -year build -operate -transfer (BOT) contract with the Government. AIG is 
responsible for the rehabilitation and expansion of the airport , whose capacity increased from about 
9 million  in 2016 to 12  million  curren tly.105 
4.112.   The Jordan Airports Company, wholly state -owned, is responsible for the Jordanian airports' 
investments as well as undertaking full operational and managerial responsibility for Amman Civil 
Airport. The Aqaba Airports Company (AAC) is the sole operator of King Hussein International Airport 
in Aqaba pursuant to airport certification by CARC.106 
4.113.   Jordan currently maintains 97  air services agreements with 124  countries. It has 61  open 
skies air services agreements in force. The majority of bilateral air services agreements cover the 
third and fourth freedoms; some also cover the fifth freedom.107 
4.114.   Cabotage is not permitted for foreign airlines.  
4.115.   Jordan made specific commitments under the GATS on two of the three air transport -related 
services covered by the relevant Annex (maintenance and repair of aircraft, and computer 
reservation systems).108 
4.3.3.2   Road transport  
4.116.   Jordan's road network is 8,515  km long. The network consists of 3,376  km of highway, 
2,031  km of secondary roads, and 2,906  km of rural roads.109 Since 2002,  the Ministry of Public 
Works and Housing has been in the process of extending the road networks across the country as 
part of a 25 -year plan to develop road networks within and between larger cities  (e.g. Amman and 
Irbid).110 
4.117.   According to the lates t available data, there are over 20,700 heavy -duty vehicles operating 
in Jordan, of which 78 % are owned by individuals. There are 253  licensed road freight transport 
companies, the majority of which are involved in container and crude oil transport.  Freigh t tariffs 
are market determined.111 
4.118.   During the review period, the Government took steps towards enhancing public road 
transport. A new transport law, Passenger Transport Law No.  19 of 2017,  "set the framework for 
much -needed reforms with the mandatory group ing of small operators, thereby opening the door to 
better route coordination and service contracts with key performance indicators on quality, safety, 
green mobility, and service reliability ".112 The Government also adopted in 2019 a Code of Conduct 
 
105 Information provided by the authorities.  
106 Information provided  by the authorities.  
107 Information provided by the authorities.  
108 WTO document WT/TPR/S/325/Rev.1, 5  February  2016.  
109 Information  provided by the authorities.  
110 Information provided by the authorities.  
111 Information provided by the authorities.  
112 World Bank Group, Jordan Public Transport Diagnostic and Recommendations, February  2022, p. 3. 
Viewed  at: WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 81 - 
 
  for pu blic transport, with the aim of regulating the conduct of passengers, drivers, and operators.113 
The Transport Law No.  89 of 2003 and the Land Transport Regulatory Commission Law of 2011 are 
still in force.  
4.119.   According to the Jordan Public Transport Diagnostic and Recommendations report, additional 
efforts are still needed. The report identified four "key challenges and constraints  … that are 
impeding the achievement of an accessible, effective, safe, affordable, and sustainabl e public road 
transportation system in Jordan "114: poor coverage and low frequencies of public transportation 
services; lack of the integration of services and fares leading to long commuting times and high 
transport costs; low quality of services that tend  to be unreliable, perceived as unsafe, especially by 
women; and lack of universal accessibility to services and opportunities. Furthermore, the Jordanian 
public transportation system is fragmented at both the operational and institutional levels.  The repo rt 
proposes six recommendations: consolidating bus operators; integrating tariffs and operations; 
implementing "intelligent transport systems"; developing a traffic demand management 
program me; developing a Road National Plan; and coupling investments in p ublic transport projects 
with urban renewal and development.115 
4.120.   The main institutions involved in road transport are the MOT and the Land Transport 
Regulatory Commission (LTRC). The former is responsible for implementing policies that develop 
and sustain th e transport sector; enhancing the role of the private sector, attracting investment, 
and increasing the productivity of the transport sector; and setting standards for safety, security, 
and environmental conservation. The MOT initiated a 20 -year National H ighway Master Plan in 2009. 
Furthermore, a public transport connection between Amman and Zarqa is being implemented by the 
MOT and the highway between Amman and Queen  Alia International Airport  is in the process of 
being widened, becoming Jordan's first to ll road.116 
4.121.   The LTRC's responsibilities include implementing the general land transport policy; planning 
the land transport services network and its facilities and routes; developing the required plans for 
operating land transport facilities; granting licen ces and issuing permits; classifying carriers and 
forwarders on roads; and handling complaints. The LTRC is also responsible for regulating work of 
individual truck owners  and the heavy transport of cargo licensing and procedures for such transport , 
as wel l as regulating the relationship between individual and company truck owners.117 
4.122.   The Freight Transport on Roads Law No.  14 of 2012 regulates the licensing and 
categorization of transporters and shipment brokers. Alongside the Law, a number of acts clarify 
various categorizations of shipment brokers and transporters. Additionally the acts address leasing 
as well as licences and permits of trucks.118 
4.123.   International road transport is governed by bilateral agreements. Foreign trucks collecting 
goods in Jordan are subject to a toll depending on their gross weight. In road transport auxiliary 
services, road transport for passenger s and freight is prohibited  to foreign investors.119 
4.124.   Cabotage by foreign companies is not allowed.  
4.125.   Foreign investment in road transport services is subject to a 49% foreign  equity ceiling with 
the exception of road  passenger and freight transport services in which foreign investment is 
prohibited (Table  2.7).120 
4.126.   Jordan made no specific commitments on road transport services under the GATS.121 
 
https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/099825106052213281/pdf/P17389502814af03b0a85e0a27bbb
baa260.pdf . 
113 World Bank Group, Jordan Public Transport Diagnostic and Recommendations, February  2022.  
114 World Bank Group, Jordan Public Transport Diagnostic and Recommendations, February  2022, p. 10. 
115 World Bank Group, Jordan Public Transport Diagnostic and Recommendations, February  2022.  
116 Information provided by the authorities.  
117 Information provided by the authorities.  
118 Information provided by the authorities.  
119 Information provided by the authorities.  
120 Information provided by the authorities.  
121 WTO do cument WT/TPR/S/325/Rev.1, 5  February  2016.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 82 - 
 
  4.3.3.3   Rail transport  
4.127.   Under the supervision of the MOT, two state -owned companies are responsible for Jordan's 
rail operations. The Aqaba Rail way Corporation, established under Act No.  22 of 1972, is responsible 
for operating the 292  km rail connecting Aqaba Port to the country's phosphate mines in the south, 
near Ma'an. The Jordan Hejaz Railway Corporation was established under Law No.  23 of 19 52 and 
is responsible for investments and operation of the 217  km Hejaz railway. The railway runs across 
the country from the northern Syrian border to the southern border with the Kingdom of 
Saudi  Arabia.122 
4.128.   The Government introduced the National Rail Netw ork Project in 2010, with the aim of 
developing a rail network linking Jordan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Syria, Türkiye, and certain 
European countries. Each country is responsible for developing the rail passing through its territory. 
Construction of  the network is still underway with the aim to build a 900  km long rail track with 
three main routes. One will go from the Syrian border to Aqaba. The second and third will go from 
Irbid through Mafraq and Zarqa and split into two routes : one to the Iraqi border and the other to 
the Saudi border through Al -Azraq.123 
4.129.   Some railway transport services are subject to foreign equity restrictions. In rail transport 
auxiliary services, foreign investment is not permitted in the area of passenger and freight 
transpor tation, pushing and towing services, and supporting services for rail transport such as rail 
passenger terminal services. Laws No.  34 of 2012 and No.  79 of 2014 address licensing and fees for 
railway service providers.124 
4.3.3.4   Maritime transport  
4.130.   The main law gov erning the sector remains the Maritime Commercial Law of the Hashemite 
Kingdom of Jordan of 1972, administered by the Jordan Maritime Commission (JMC). The JMC has 
the mandate to regulate, supervise, and develop the maritime transport subsector, including all 
transportation modes, stationary and moving equipment, labour force, transport auxiliaries, and 
associated services. Shipping agents (both port agents and representatives of shipping lines) must 
be licensed by the JMC. Shipping agents must have a gener al manager of Jordanian nationality.125 
4.131.   The JMC is also responsible for the registration of vessels flying the Jordanian flag. Under its 
GATS schedule, Jordan has also reserved the right to offer preferential service fees to Jordanian 
ships for pilotage, be rthing, and docking. Registration as a Jordanian flag carrier involves no 
restrictions on the nationality of master, officers , or crew, and the ownership of ships. Maritime 
transport and ancillary services are subject to a foreign equity ceiling of 50%. Th e registration fee 
for ships under the Jordanian flag varies depending on the age of the vessel, the service it provides , 
and the net registered tonnage. Other fees include registration of changed ownership, the ship's 
name, or marks , as well as mortgage r eleases. In addition, an annual navigation licence fee applies, 
which is dependent on the ship's net registered tonnage or , in the case of smaller vessels, the service 
provided.126 
4.132.   The Aqaba Port community consists of 12  terminals spanning 32  specialized be rths. 
According to the authorities, it is operated by world -class operators using best international 
technology, safety, and environmental standards. As part of the plans by the Aqaba Development 
Corporation (ADC) to modernize the port system, the previous ly existing main port (Aqaba Port) in 
the north of Aqaba was transferred to the southern region after the corporation was restructured to 
become the Aqaba Company for Ports Operation and Management (ACPOM). The new port has been 
operating at full capacity since 2018.127 
 
122 Information provided by the authorities.  
123 Information provided by the authorities.  
124 Information provided by the authorities.  
125 Information provided by the authorities.  
126 Information provided by the authoritie s. 
127 The new port has 9  berths with an average depth of 13  m-15 m. The annual handling capacity of the 
ports reaches 36  million tonnes, handling grain, general cargo, coal, and live cattle. The new port also contains 
a grain terminal and 28  vertical silos with a total capacity of 100,000  tonnes. The grain terminal's handling WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 83 - 
 
  4.133.   The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) is responsible for issuing a list of 
charges applied on a number of these services. In addition, the ADC, a jointly owned enterprise 
between the G overnment and the ASEZA owns and has the manag erial rights of Aqaba's airport, 
seaport, and certain parcels of land in Aqaba. The ADC's main responsibility is to develop the Aqaba 
SEZ including Aqaba Port, managing business projects, building or expanding new infrastructure , 
and implementing the ASEZA  Master Plan.128 
4.134.   The container terminal is owned by the ADC and its area consists of berths with a total length 
of 1,000 meters. Since 2006, through a 25 -year joint -development agreement, the Danish company 
A. P. Moller  Maersk Group, operating as AMP  Termin als, has been granted managerial and 
operational rights of the terminal. It collects charges, fees, and penalties for various container 
terminal services (e.g. berthing, handling of containers, and inventory control). Wharfage charges 
vary depending on ber thing time and the vessel's length.129 
4.135.   The Master Plan for ADC's projects for the port community also includes energy ports, such 
as the establishment of the Aqaba LNG terminal.130 This is in addition to the rehabilitation of the 
existing oil terminal. Moreover, there are plans for establishing an Iraqi oil export terminal dedicated 
to exporting Iraqi oil through the ports of Aqaba.131 
4.136.   During the review period, the Aqaba Industrial Port and Aqaba Phosphate Terminal were 
rehabilitated and expanded through a PPP with the Jordan Industrial Ports Company. Two berths 
have been added to the facility to increase its annual handling capacity to 9  million tonnes and 
enhance operational efficiency, and environmental/safety measures . The phosphate export facility 
that was previously located in the northern port has been removed. Through a partnership with the 
Jordan Phosphate Mining Company, a new phosphate plant has been established. According to the 
authorities, it has state -of-the-art operational facilities ensuring the highest environmental 
standards. The Aqaba Cruise Ship Terminal was inaugurated in 2023 as part of a set of investment 
program mes between the Abu Dhabi Ports Group and the ADC.132 
4.137.   To enable the port of Aqaba to obtai n feasible, productive, and profitable marine services, 
the ADC entered into a 15 -year joint agreement with Lamnalco (United Arab Emirates) to operate 
marine services in the port of Aqaba. The joint company (Aqaba Port Marine Services Company) 
manages, ope rates, and re -equips the marine services assets and activities in the ports of Aqaba.133 
4.138.   Jordan made specific commitments under the GATS on maritime transport services. As with 
all transport services, commercial presence in mode 3 in maritime transport serv ices is subject to 
a 50% limitation on foreign equity.134 
4.3.4   Tourism  
4.139.   The tourism sector accounts for 12.2% of Jordan's GDP and employed about 3.0 % of the 
total workforce in 2021.135 Tourism receipts plummeted in 2020 -21 mainly due to the COVID -19 
pandemic but r ecovered significantly in 2022 (Table  4.19). Tourists from Arab countries represented 
about half of total visitors to Jordan in 2022, followed by tourists from Europe (14.1%). In 2022, 
some 43.1% of total tourists arrived in Jordan by air.  
 
equipment includes two ship unloading units with a capacity of 1,600  tonnes/h. Information provided by the 
authorities.  
128 Information provided by the authorities.  
129 Information provided  by the authorities.  
130 Funded by the Kuwait Fund, called Sheikh Sabah Al -Ahmad Al -Jaber Al -Sabah' (LNG) and Liquefied 
Petroleum Gas (LPG) terminal . 
131 Information provided by the authorities.  
132 It is capable of receiving two ships per day with a total capacity of 3,000  people. The passenger 
crossing located south of the Aqaba Container Terminal for the transport of passengers between Egypt and 
Jordan has also been expanded and modernized. Inform ation provided by the authorities.  
133 Aqaba ports are serviced by two marine services terminals, one of which is dedicated to the LNG 
terminal, while the second is located as part of the new Aqaba Port buildings and serves the Aqaba Port 
community as a whol e. Information provided by the authorities.  
134 Information provided by the authorities.  
135 Information  provided by the authorities.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 84 - 
 
  Table 4.19 Tourism sector overview, 2016 -22 
 2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  2022  
Receipts (JOD  million)  2,871  3,294  3,727  4,108  1,000  1,959  4,124  
Employees (number)  50,359  51,365  51,550  53,488  41,108  49,209  54,764  
Hotels (number)  573 601 588 604 610 622 607 
Travel agencies (number)  872 898 905 908 842 826 851 
Tourist transportation companies 
(number)  8 8 8 8 14 15 16 
Source:  Information  provided by the authorities.  
4.140.   Jordan ranks 64th of 117  economies in the latest World Economic Forum's (WEF) 
Travel  & Tourism Development Index  (75th in 2016 out of 136  economies), and sixth among Arab 
countries.136 
4.141.   In 2019, before the pandemic, Jordan recorded record numbers of visitors (5.3  million, of 
which Petra received over 1.3  million) and revenues (JOD  4.1 billion), representing 13.2% of GDP. 
With the pandemic , every aspect of Jordan's tourism value chain ( i.e. hotels, restaurants, and 
transport) ground to a sudden halt and the Government's response required three phases: (i) border 
closures, curfews, and lockdowns; (ii) monetary and fiscal measures to support the sector 
(e.g. reducing interest rates, sales tax  and service fees, and injecting liquidity into the economy)137; 
and (iii) launching of several niche tourism products  (e.g. medical tourism ), the gradual reopening 
of tourism activities, and the Tourism Resilience Fund of JOD  20 million.138 Under the EPP, t ourism 
is one of the priority sectors to be supported, alongside IT, agriculture, and industry (Section  1.2). 
4.142.   During the review period, there were no legislative and institutional changes concerning the 
tourism sector , which continues to be governed by Tou rism Law No.  20 of 1988, as amended, and 
a number of regulations. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (MOTA) administers the Law and 
is also the regulatory authority to license and classify tourist establishments. The National Tourism 
Council formulate s the general tourism policy. The Tourism Committee in the MOTA is responsible 
for establishing classification standards for hotels and restaurants, advising the minister on the 
licensing and classification of tourism occupations , and  looking into the occu pational violations. In 
addition, the Tourism Committee of the Parliament is responsible for , inter alia, studying 
tourism -related laws and suggestions, ways of developing and protecting the tourism and antiquities 
sector, laws and methods related to touri sm marketing , and also increasing the tourism sector's 
contribution to GDP.  
4.143.   The Jordan Tourism Board is an independent body funded by the private sector and the 
State , which is responsible for marketing and promotion. Jordan's Investment Commission promote s 
and seeks to attract foreign investment through identifying investment opportunities in the sector.139 
4.144.   Jordan Tourism and Travel Agents Society (JSTA) is the sole representative in Jordan of 
professional travel agents , and it cooperates with government and non -government bodies in the 
preparation and elaboration of rules and regulations governing travel agency relations and other 
parties involved in tourism. Additionally, the JSTA provides its members with training and 
consulta tion services free of charge at the JSTA Training Centre.140 
4.145.   In order to operate, a hotel needs to be licensed by MOTA and the licence must be renewed 
annually. Licence fees vary from JOD  100 for a one -star hotel to JOD  500 for a five -star hotel. Prior 
approval by the Minister is required for a hotel project (granted for two years). Travel agencies 
require a non -objection letter from the Jordan Tourism and Travel Agents Society, and a bank 
guarantee for up to JOD  100,000 for travel agencies operating abroad.  The annual licence fee for a 
 
136 WEF (2022), Travel & Tourism Development Index 2021: Rebuilding for a Sustainable and Resilient 
Future, Insight Report . View ed at: 
https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Travel_Tourism_Development_2021.pdf . 
137 In March  2021, the CBJ increased its SME scheme help from  JOD 500 million to JOD  700 million, 
raised the borrowing limits for sectors hard -hit by the pandemic , notably tourism, and extended the scheme 
until April  2023 (Section  1.2.1).  
138 MOTA, Jordan Tourism Strategy 2021 to 2025, A Tourism Strategy That Is Fit for Purpose and 
Circumstance . Viewed  at: https://procurement -notices.undp.org/view_file.cfm?doc_id=267337 . 
139 Information provided by the authorities.  
140 Information provided by the authorities.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 85 - 
 
  travel agency is JOD  500. Tourist guides need to be members of the Jordan Tourist Guides Society 
and approval for membership is granted by the Tourism Committee in the MOTA. The annual licence 
fee for tourist guides is JOD  50. To be able to operate as special tourism transportation companies, 
a company must have a minimum capital of JOD  10 million (considered excessive in Jordan's 
Tourism Strategy) and register with the MOT.141 
4.146.   Investments in the tourism industry are eligible fo r incentives under the Investment 
Promotion Law; furthermore, investment projects at Aqaba are also eligible for the Aqaba Special 
Economic Zone incentive scheme.142 
4.147.   Overseas travel agents and tour operators are not permitted except when operated through 
local agents.  Through the Non -Jordanian Investment Regulation No.  7 of 2023, foreign investors are 
prohibited from having more than 50% ownership of travel agencies , tour operator services (tourist 
and travel bureaus) , and certain tourist transportation serv ices.143 
4.148.   In December  2021, MOTA launched its Jordan Tourism Strategy 2021 to 2025 , with the 
vision "to create inclusive economic growth through authentic and sustainable tourism products 
[and]  experiences and eliminate the impact of COVID -19".144 The strategy aims to double the 
number of tourists and revenues by 2025  by focusing on five main aspec ts: (i) tourism product 
development (culture and heritage tourism145, well -being tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, 
Conferences, Events) tourism, and domestic tourism); (ii) human resources development through, 
inter alia, education and training; (iii) enhancement of marketing, branding , and positioning, and 
promotion of travel to Jordan via low-cost carriers; (iv) heritage protection, notably site 
preservation, conservation, restoration, and site improvement; and (v) reform ation of  the sector by 
reviewing laws/regulations and improv ing access to Jordan, including through e -visas, so as to 
encourage tourism investmen t and growth.146 
4.149.   Jordan scheduled full commitments for modes 1 to 3, for hotel and lodging services and for 
catering services. Tourist guide services have been bound without limitations in modes 1 to 3, except 
for national treatment in mode 1.147 
 
141 Information provided by the authorities.  
142 WTO document WT/TPR/S/325/Rev.1, 5  February  2016.  
143 WTO document WT/TPR/S/325/Rev.1, 5  February  2016.  
144 MOTA, Jordan Tourism Strategy 2021 to 2025, A T ourism Strategy That Is Fit for Purpose and 
Circumstance , p. 10. Viewed  at: https://procurement -notices.undp.org/view_file.cfm?doc_id=267337 . 
145 Some 85% of visitors to Jordan come for culture and heritage tourism. The primary sites are Petra, 
Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, the Baptism Site, and Amman.  MOTA, Jordan Tourism Strategy 2021 to 2025, A 
Tourism Strategy That Is Fit for Purpose and Circumstan ce, p. 1 1. 
146 MOTA, Jordan Tourism Strategy 2021 to 2025, A Tourism Strategy That Is Fit for Purpose and 
Circumstance . Viewed  at: https://procurement -notices.undp.org/view_file.c fm?doc_id=267337 . 
147 WTO document WT/TPR/S/325/Rev.1, 5  February  2016.  WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 86 - 
 
  5  APPENDIX TABLES  
Table  A1.1 Merchandise exports by HS section and main chapter, 2016 -22 
(USD  million and %)  
Description  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  2022a 
Total exports  7,549  7,511  7,535  8,317  7,943  9,358  12,380   
of which,  re-exports  1,356  1,167  951 1,281  839 852 997   
(% of total exports)  
1 – Live animals; animal products  3.2 3.1 2.6 3.1 3.3 2.5 2.4  
01.  Live animals  1.9 2.2 1.3 1.9 1.9 1.4 1.4  
04.  Dairy produce; birds' eggs; natural 
honey; edible products of animal origin  0.7 0.6 0.7 0.7 1.0 0.9 0.7 
 
02. Meat and edible meat offal  0.6 0.3 0.6 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.4 
2 – Vegetable products  8.3 8.1 15.2 5.4 5.6 6.6 4.3  
07. Edible vegetables and certain roots 
and tubers  5.4 5.1 4.0 2.7 2.6 2.1 1.5 
 
08. Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus 
fruit or melons  2.1 2.0 1.8 1.6 1.8 2.8 1.4 
 
09. Coffee, tea, maté and spices  0.6 0.6 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.5  
11. Products of the milling industry; 
malt; starches; inulin; wheat gluten  0.0 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.4 
 
10. Cereals  0.0 0.2 8.4 0.1 0.1 0.4 0.2 
3 – Animal or vegetable fats and oils; prepared 
edible fats  0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 
4 – Prepared foodstuffs; beverages, spirits and 
vinegar; tobacco  5.0 5.0 4.9 4.7 5.4 5.1 5.0 
 
21. Miscellaneous edible preparations  1.1 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.0 0.9  
20. Preparations of vegetables, fruit, 
nuts, or other parts of plants  0.6 0.5 0.7 0.7 0.9 0.8 0.9 
5 – Mineral products  7.0 6.4 7.7 7.5 6.6 7.3 10.5  
25. Salt; sulphur; earths and stone; 
plastering materials, lime, and cement  6.9 6.2 6.0 5.7 5.3 6.6 9.5 
6 – Products of the chemical or allied industries  25.6 26.9 28.3 28.6 33.2 36.2 38.6  
31. Fertilizers  8.2 9.0 10.8 10.2 11.4 14.1 19.0  
28. Inorganic chemicals; organic or 
inorganic compounds of precious metals  4.2 5.1 5.3 6.4 8.8 11.2 10.3 
 
30. Pharmaceutical products  9.5 8.9 8.4 7.7 7.8 6.6 5.2  
34. Soap, organic surface -active agents, 
washing and lubricating preparations  1.3 1.3 1.7 1.9 2.5 2.0 1.9 
 
38. Miscellaneous chemical products  0.8 0.9 0.8 0.9 1.2 1.0 1.0 
7 – Plastics and articles thereof; rubber and 
articles thereof  3.5 3.7 3.6 3.0 2.4 2.8 2.6 
 
39. Plastics and articles thereof  3.4 3.6 3.6 2.9 2.3 2.7 2.6 
8 – Raw hides and skins, leather, furskins and 
articles thereof; travel goods, handbags; 
articles of animal gut  0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 
9 – Wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal; 
cork and articles of cork  0.1 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 
10 – Pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulosic 
material; paper and paperboard and articles 
thereof  2.3 2.2 2.2 1.7 1.6 1.5 1.7 
 
48. Paper and paperboard; articles of 
paper pulp, of paper or of paperboard  2.0 1.9 1.9 1.5 1.3 1.2 1.4 
11 – Textiles and textile articles  19.8 21.8 23.7 24.5 21.8 20.4 18.5  
61. Articles of apparel and clothing 
accessories, knitted or crocheted  18.0 19.9 21.9 22.3 19.8 18.6 17.2 
12 – Footwear, headgear, umbrellas; prepared 
feathers and articles; artificial flowers  0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 
13 – Articles of stone, plaster, cement, etc.; 
ceramic products; glass and glassware  1.0 1.1 0.8 0.7 0.5 0.3 0.2 
14 – Natural or cultured pearls, precious or 
semi-precious stones, precious metals  2.8 2.5 1.6 3.1 6.3 2.8 2.6 
15 – Base metals and articles of base metal  3.9 4.2 4.3 4.3 3.8 6.1 5.2  
76. Aluminium and articles thereof  1.7 1.9 1.7 1.2 1.4 2.1 2.3  
73. Articles of iron or steel  1.0 1.0 0.9 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.1  
72. Iron and steel  0.4 0.5 0.8 0.6 0.4 1.9 1.1 
16 – Machinery and mechanical appliances; 
electrical equipment; television image and 
sound recorders  7.9 7.8 3.6 6.9 4.7 4.8 5.0 WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 87 - 
 
  Description  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  2022a  
85. Electrical machinery and equipment; 
sound recorders and reproducers  4.7 4.8 2.1 3.1 2.2 2.7 3.0 
 
84. Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery 
and mechanical appliances  3.2 3.0 1.5 3.7 2.5 2.0 2.0 
17 – Vehicles, aircraft, vessels and associated 
transport equipment  7.5 4.8 0.2 4.0 2.1 1.8 1.7 
 
87. Vehicles other than railway or 
tramway rolling -stock, parts and accessories  2.1 1.4 0.2 1.0 1.2 1.0 1.1 
 
88. Aircraft, spacecraft, and parts 
thereof  5.4 3.4 0.0 2.9 0.9 0.8 0.6 
18 – Optical, photographic, precision, medical 
or surgical instruments; clocks and watched; 
musical instruments  0.6 0.7 0.0 0.8 0.5 0.6 0.5 
19 – Arms and ammunition  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
20 – Miscellaneous manufactured articles  1.1 1.2 0.8 1.1 1.2 0.9 0.8 
21 – Works of art, collectors' pieces and 
antiques  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Other  0.1 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.5 0.2 0.1 
a Provisional data. 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities.   WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 88 - 
 
  Table  A1.2 Merchandise imports by HS section and main HS chapter, 2016 -22 
(USD  million and %)  
Description  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  2022a 
Total  
19,324  20,498  20,310  19,170  17,233  21,542  27,290    
(% of total imports)  
1 – Live animals; animal products  4.6 4.3 4.2 4.6 5.6 5.0 4.8  
02. Meat and edible meat offal  1.8 1.8 1.8 1.9 2.0 1.8 1.7  
01. Live animals  1.2 0.9 0.7 0.8 1.5 1.4 1.5  
04. Dairy produce; birds' eggs; natural 
honey; edible products of animal origin  1.3 1.3 1.3 1.4 1.7 1.5 1.3 
2 – Vegetable products  8.8 7.4 7.6 8.0 9.3 8.0 8.6  
10. Cereals  5.0 3.8 4.0 4.1 4.5 4.4 5.2  
08. Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus 
fruit or melons  1.7 1.5 1.4 1.6 2.0 1.4 1.2 
 
09. Coffee, tea, maté and spices  0.7 0.8 1.0 1.0 1.2 1.0 0.9 
3 – Animal or vegetable fats and oils; prepared edible 
fats 1.0 0.9 0.9 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.3 
4 – Prepared foodstuffs; beverages, spirits and 
vinegar; tobacco  7.0 6.8 6.5 6.7 8.5 7.1 6.9 
 
21. Miscellaneous edible preparations  1.4 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.4 1.3  
23. Residues and waste from the food 
industries  1.1 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.1 
 
17. Sugars and sugar confectionery  1.2 1.2 1.0 0.9 1.2 1.0 1.1  
19. Preparations of cereals, flour, starch 
or milk  0.9 0.9 0.9 1.0 1.4 1.2 1.1 
 
20. Preparations of vegetables, fruit, 
nuts or other parts of plants  0.6 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.7 0.7 
5 – Mineral products  14.7 16.8 21.2 19.2 11.1 12.9 15.4  
27. Mineral fuels, mineral oils and 
products of their distillation  14.5 16.7 20.8 18.8 10.8 12.4 14.8 
6 – Products of the chemical or allied industries  8.1 7.4 8.0 8.7 10.5 9.8 8.9  
30. Pharmaceutical products  3.1 2.7 2.9 2.9 3.5 3.3 2.5  
29. Organic chemicals  1.4 1.3 1.6 1.8 2.0 1.6 1.9  
28. Inorganic chemicals; organic or 
inorganic compounds of precious metals  0.4 0.3 0.3 0.6 1.1 1.4 1.2 
 
33. Essential oils and resinoids; 
perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations  1.1 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.2 1.0 1.0 
 
38. Miscellaneous chemical products  0.8 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.1 1.0 0.8 
7 – Plastics and articles thereof; rubber and articles 
thereof  4.1 4.0 4.1 4.0 4.2 4.3 3.9 
 
39.  Plastics and articles thereof  3.5 3.5 3.6 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.4 
8 – Raw hides and skins, leather, furskins and articles 
thereof; travel goods, handbags; articles of animal 
gut 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 
9 – Wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal; cork 
and articles of cork  1.0 0.9 0.9 0.8 0.9 1.0 0.8 
10 – Pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulosic 
material; paper and paperboard and articles thereof  1.9 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.1 1.9 2.1 
 
48. Paper and paperboard; articles of 
paper pulp, of paper or of paperboard  1.4 1.5 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.5 1.7 
11 – Textiles and textile articles  6.8 6.6 6.6 7.5 7.5 7.5 6.6  
60. Knitted or crocheted fabrics  2.6 2.5 2.9 3.5 3.2 3.0 2.9  
61. Articles of apparel and clothing 
accessories, knitted or crocheted  1.7 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.5 1.5 1.3 
 
54. Man-made filaments  0.5 0.6 0.5 0.7 0.8 1.1 0.9 
12 – Footwear, headgear, umbrellas; prepared 
feathers and articles; artificial flowers  0.6 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.3 
13 – Articles of stone, plaster, cement, etc.; ceramic 
products; glass and glassware  1.8 1.6 1.6 1.5 1.6 1.6 1.3 
14 – Natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi -
precious stones, precious metals  3.1 3.2 1.6 1.0 1.2 6.5 8.8 
15 – Base metals and articles of base metal  6.6 5.7 6.6 6.2 6.2 5.5 6.0  
72. Iron and steel  2.9 2.1 2.5 2.2 2.5 2.2 2.7  
73. Articles of iron or steel  1.5 1.5 1.7 1.7 1.5 1.0 1.0  
76. Aluminium and articles thereof  0.9 0.8 1.0 1.0 0.9 0.9 1.0 
16 – Machinery and mechanical appliances; electrical 
equipment; television image and sound recorders  13.6 15.8 13.7 15.4 12.4 11.3 9.8 
 
84. Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery 
and mechanical appliances  7.5 9.8 7.5 8.5 6.6 6.0 5.3 WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 89 - 
 
  Description  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  2022a  
85. Electrical machinery and 
equipment; sound recorders and 
reproducers  6.1 6.0 6.2 6.9 5.9 5.3 4.5 
17 – Vehicles, aircraft, vessels and associated 
transport equipment  11.1 11.3 9.0 7.8 8.6 7.8 6.7 
 
87. Vehicles other than railway or 
tramway rolling -stock, parts and accessories  10.0 10.1 8.0 7.0 7.3 7.2 6.0 
 
88. Aircraft, spacecraft, and parts 
thereof  1.1 1.1 1.0 0.8 1.3 0.5 0.7 
18 – Optical, photographic, precision, medical or 
surgical instruments; clocks and watched; musical 
instruments  1.5 1.5 1.5 1.6 1.6 1.5 1.3 
 
90. Optical, photographic, precision, 
medical instruments and apparatus  1.4 1.4 1.4 1.5 1.5 1.3 1.1 
19 – Arms and ammunition  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
20 – Miscellaneous manufactured articles  1.9 1.7 1.6 1.6 1.5 1.5 1.2 
21 – Works of art, collectors' pieces and antiques  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Other   
1.6 1.7 1.8 2.0 5.5 5.3 5.1 
a Provisional data.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities.   WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 90 - 
 
  Table  A1.3 Merchandise exports and by trading partner, 2016 -22 
(USD  million and %)  
Description  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  2022a 
Total exports  7,549  7,511  7,535  8,317  7,943  9,358  12,380  
of which,  re-exports  1,356  1,167  951 1,281  839 852 997  
(% of total exports)  
Americas  21.6 23.0 25.1 25.8 23.7 27.1 23.1 
United  States  20.6 21.3 23.0 24.1 22.1 24.7 20.0 
Other America  1.0 1.6 2.1 1.7 1.6 2.4 3.1 
Brazil  0.1 0.6 0.0 0.3 0.6 1.4 1.7 
Canada  0.8 0.8 1.0 1.1 0.8 0.8 0.9 
Argentina  0.0 0.0 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.2 
Mexico  0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 
Europe  7.3 5.0 4.2 4.4 7.5 5.5 6.8 
EU-27 5.1 2.7 2.6 3.0 2.9 3.2 5.1 
Netherlands  1.2 0.8 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.6 1.4 
Belgium  0.1 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.5 0.8 
Spain  0.1 0.1 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.5 
Finland  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.5 
Romania  0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.4 
EFTA 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.4 3.1 0.7 0.1 
Switzerland  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.4 3.1 0.7 0.1 
Other Europe  2.2 2.3 1.5 1.1 1.6 1.6 1.6 
Türkiye  1.3 1.5 1.1 0.6 1.2 1.1 0.8 
United  Kingdom  0.7 0.5 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.7 
Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)b 0.1 0.1 1.1 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.1 
Russian  Federation  0.1 0.1 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.0 
Africa  5.4 5.7 5.8 5.4 5.5 6.2 6.0 
Egypt  1.3 1.5 1.6 2.0 1.8 2.2 2.3 
Algeria  1.6 1.2 1.2 1.0 1.2 1.1 0.9 
Sudan  0.9 1.3 1.2 0.8 0.8 0.9 0.7 
Libya  0.5 0.3 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.5 
South  Africa  0.3 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.3 
Middle East  41.7 39.7 36.1 36.9 35.4 32.4 30.3 
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  13.2 11.3 9.8 10.2 10.5 11.4 9.9 
Iraq 6.6 7.3 9.0 7.6 8.4 6.6 7.5 
United Arab Emirates  5.3 4.7 3.5 4.3 4.4 2.9 2.7 
Palestine  2.3 2.7 2.2 2.2 2.1 2.2 2.4 
Kuwait, the State of  4.4 4.5 3.2 3.7 2.9 2.5 1.4 
Qatar  2.3 2.2 1.9 1.5 1.4 1.4 1.3 
Syrian Arab Republic  0.9 0.9 0.9 1.1 0.8 1.3 1.2 
Israel  1.5 1.4 1.4 1.3 1.1 1.0 1.2 
Lebanese Republic  2.4 1.9 1.4 2.4 1.1 0.7 0.8 
Yemen  0.8 0.7 0.7 0.9 1.0 1.0 0.8 
Asia 12.6 14.1 15.8 15.4 17.7 20.1 25.7 
China  1.7 2.2 1.4 2.5 2.1 1.1 2.2 
Japan  0.3 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.7 
Other Asia  10.6 11.5 13.9 12.6 15.3 18.6 22.8 
India 6.5 7.2 9.1 8.4 10.9 13.7 14.6 
Indonesia  1.9 2.0 1.8 1.6 1.6 1.8 2.7 
Bangladesh  0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.7 0.5 1.5 
Malaysia  0.9 0.6 1.2 0.4 0.7 0.6 1.2 
Australia  0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.9 
Other  11.3 12.4 11.9 12.0 10.1 8.4 8.0 
Free Zones  11.3 12.4 11.9 12.0 10.1 8.4 8.0 
Memorandum:         
EU-28 5.8 3.2 2.9 3.3 3.2 3.6 5.8 
a Provisional  data. 
b Commonwealth of Independent States, including certain associate and former member States.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities.    WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 91 - 
 
  Table  A1.4 Merchandise imports by trading partner, 2016 -22 
Description  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  2022a 
Total imports  19,324  20,498  20,310  19,170  17,233  21,542  27,290   
(% of imports)  
Americas  11.8 15.2 14.3 13.5 13.7 11.1 10.0 
United  States  6.9 9.8 8.7 8.1 8.0 6.5 5.5 
Other America  4.8 5.4 5.6 5.4 5.7 4.7 4.5 
Brazil  1.3 1.2 1.7 1.9 1.6 1.4 1.7 
Argentina  1.5 1.5 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.7 1.7 
Mexico  1.0 1.5 1.5 1.0 1.0 0.7 0.4 
Canada  0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.2 
Guatemala  0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 
Colombia  0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.3 0.1 
Ecuador  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 
Aruba, the 
Netherlands with 
respect to  0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 
Europe  30.1 27.9 27.4 24.8 25.9 25.7 23.9 
EU-27 22.6 20.4 20.5 19.1 19.3 17.8 15.5 
Romania  3.2 1.5 1.8 1.6 2.1 2.7 3.2 
Germany  4.6 4.4 4.6 4.4 4.3 3.6 2.9 
Italy 4.4 4.0 3.1 3.2 3.0 3.0 2.4 
Spain  2.4 2.4 1.7 1.8 2.2 1.6 1.5 
France  2.4 2.1 2.3 2.2 1.8 1.4 1.3 
EFTA 1.7 1.5 1.0 0.7 0.9 2.9 3.8 
Switzerland  1.6 1.2 0.9 0.7 0.9 2.8 3.8 
Other Europe  5.8 6.0 5.9 5.1 5.7 5.1 4.5 
Türkiye  3.4 3.3 3.8 2.9 3.2 3.2 3.3 
United  Kingdom  1.4 1.6 1.2 1.2 1.3 0.9 0.8 
Ukraine  0.9 1.0 0.8 1.0 1.1 0.9 0.3 
Commonwealth of 
Independent States (CIS)b 1.3 0.8 1.7 1.2 1.7 1.1 0.6 
Russian  Federation  1.2 0.8 1.7 1.2 1.5 1.1 0.6 
Africa  5.7 6.6 5.5 5.2 5.5 4.6 4.5 
Egypt  2.5 2.3 2.7 4.0 3.5 3.3 2.9 
Algeria  0.4 0.9 0.4 0.2 0.7 0.5 0.5 
South  Africa  0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.4 
Sudan  0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 
Middle East  20.4 20.8 23.4 22.1 21.8 27.4 28.9 
Saudi Arabia, 
Kingdom of  12.2 13.4 16.6 16.6 12.4 14.9 14.9 
United Arab Emirates  4.5 4.8 4.1 2.7 3.7 6.6 7.8 
Israel  0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 2.6 3.0 2.8 
Iraq 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.8 
Bahrain, Kingdom of  0.3 0.2 0.5 0.8 0.3 0.3 0.5 
Lebanese Republic  0.5 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.4 
Asia 30.1 28.1 27.1 32.2 29.9 28.7 31.3 
China  13.9 13.5 13.6 16.3 15.7 14.6 15.3 
Japan  3.3 2.8 2.0 2.1 1.9 1.7 1.3 
Other Asia  12.9 11.8 11.5 13.8 12.3 12.4 14.8 
India 2.4 2.4 2.8 4.8 2.8 2.7 5.1 
Indonesia  0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.7 1.5 2.2 
Korea, Republic of  3.2 2.7 2.2 2.0 2.5 2.3 2.0 
Chinese  Taipei  2.0 2.1 1.8 1.7 1.5 1.5 1.2 
Australia  0.8 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.6 0.3 1.0 
Thailand  1.2 1.0 0.9 0.8 0.9 0.8 0.8 
Viet Nam 0.9 0.7 0.9 1.2 1.1 0.9 0.8 
Other  0.6 0.5 0.5 0.9 1.6 1.4 0.8 
Free Zones  0.6 0.5 0.5 0.9 1.6 1.4 0.8 
Memorandum:         
EU-28 24.0 22.1 21.7 20.3 20.6 18.7 16.4 
a Provisional  data. 
b Commonwealth of Independent States, including certain associate and former member States.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities.  
 WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 92 - 
 
  Table A2. 1 Jordan's notifications under the WTO  Agreements, 2016 -June  2023  
WTO  Agreement  Requirement/content  WTO document and date  
Agreement on Agriculture  
Article  18.2 Domestic support (calendar years 
2013 and 2014)  G/AG/N/JOR/19, 24  January  2017 
G/AG/N/JOR/20, 24  January  2017 
G/AG/N/JOR/19/Rev.1, 30  November  2017 
G/AG/N/JOR/20/Rev.1, 30  November  2017 
Article  10 and 18.2  Export subsidies (calendar years 2013 
and 2014)  G/AG/N/JOR/18, 19  January  2017 
GATT  1994 , Article  XXIV: 7(a) (Free -Trade Areas)  
Article  XXIV: 7(a) 
(Free -Trade Areas)  Jordan – Türkiye  
United  Kingdom – Jordan  WT/REG294/N/2, 7  October  2019 
WT/REG453/N/1, 4  May 2021 
GATT  1994 , Article  XXVIII: 5 (Market Access)  
Article  XXVIII: 5  Jordan reserves the right to modify its 
Schedule   
Agreement on Preshipment Inspection,  Article  5 
Article  5 Jordan has no laws or regulations 
relating to preshipment inspection   
Agreement on Import Licensing  
Article  7.3 Questionnaire on import licensing 
(2016)  G/LIC/N/3/JOR/3, 5  October  2016 
Anti-Dumping Agreement  
Article  16.4 Semi-annual reports  G/ADP/N/280/Add.1, 22  April 2016 
 Semi-annual reports  G/ADP/N/286, 15  June 2016 
 Semi-annual reports  G/ADP/N/286/Add.1, 20  October  2016 
 Semi-annual reports  G/ADP/N/294, 16  December  2016 
 Semi-annual reports  G/ADP/N/294/Add.1, 21  April 2017 
 Semi-annual reports  G/ADP/N/300, 15  June 2017 
 Semi-annual reports  G/ADP/N/300/Add.1, 23  October  2017 
 Semi-annual reports  G/ADP/N/308, 15  December  2017 
 Semi-annual reports  G/ADP/N/308/Add.1, 20  April 2018 
 Semi-annual reports  G/ADP/N/314, 15  June 2018 
 Semi-annual reports  G/ADP/N/314/Add.1, 19 October  2018 
 Semi-annual reports  G/ADP/N/322, 14  December  2018 
 Semi-annual reports  G/ADP/N/322/Add.1, 24  April 2019 
 Semi-annual reports  G/ADP/N/328, 14  June 2019 
 Semi-annual reports  G/ADP/N/328/Add.1, 15  November  2019 
 Semi-annual reports  G/ADP/N/335, 13  December  2019 
 Semi-annual reports  G/ADP/N/335/Add.1, 4  May 2020 
 Semi-annual reports  G/ADP/N/342, 15  June 2020 
 Semi-annual reports  G/ADP/N/342/Add.1, 13  October  2020 
 Semi-annual reports  G/ADP/N/350, 15 December  2020 
 Semi-annual reports  G/ADP/N/350/Add.1/Rev.1, 14  October  2021 
 Semi-annual reports  G/ADP/N/357, 15  June 2021 
 Semi-annual reports  G/ADP/N/357/Add.1, 14  October  2021 
 Semi-annual reports  G/ADP/N/370, 15  June 2022 
 Semi-annual reports  G/ADP/N/370/Add.1, 13  October  2022 
 Semi-annual reports  G/ADP/N/377, 15  December  2022 
 Semi-annual reports  G/ADP/N/377/Add.1, 20  April 2023 
Article  16.5 Competent authorities  G/ADP/N/14/Add.50, 13  November  2019 
Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures  
Article  25.11  Semi-annual reports  G/SCM/N/298/Add.1, 22  April 2016 
 Semi-annual reports  G/SCM/N/305, 15  June 2016 
 Semi-annual reports  G/SCM/N/305/Add.1, 21  October  2016 
 Semi-annual reports  G/SCM/N/313, 16  December  2016 
 Semi-annual reports  G/SCM/N/313/Add.1, 21  April 2017 
 Semi-annual reports  G/SCM/N/321, 15  June 2017 
 Semi-annual reports  G/SCM/N/321/Add.1, 23  October  2017 
 Semi-annual reports  G/SCM/N/328, 15 December  2017 
 Semi-annual reports  G/SCM/N/328/Add.1, 20  April 2018 
 Semi-annual reports  G/SCM/N/334, 15  June 2018 
 Semi-annual reports  G/SCM/N/334/Add.1, 19  October  2018 
 Semi-annual reports  G/SCM/N/342, 14  December  2018 
 Semi-annual reports  G/SCM/N/342/Add.1, 24  April 2019 
 Semi-annual reports  G/SCM/N/349, 14  June 2019 
 Semi-annual reports  G/SCM/N/349/Add.1, 15  November  2019 
 Semi-annual reports  G/SCM/N/356, 13  December  2019 
 Semi-annual reports  G/SCM/N/356/Add.1, 4  May 2020 
 Semi-annual reports  G/SCM/N/363, 15  June 2020 
 Semi-annual reports  G/SCM/N/363/Add.1, 14  October  2020 
 Semi-annual reports  G/SCM/N/371, 15  December  2020 
 Semi-annual reports  G/SCM/N/371/Add.1/Rev.1, 14  October  2021 WT/TPR/S/ 446 • Jordan  
 
- 93 - 
 
  WTO  Agreement  Requirement/content  WTO document and date  
 Semi-annual reports  G/SCM/N/379, 15  June 2021 
 Semi-annual reports  G/SCM/N/379/Add.1/Rev.1, 11  April 2022 
 Semi-annual reports  G/SCM/N/392, 15  June 2022 
 Semi-annual reports  G/SCM/N/392/Add.1, 13 October  2022 
 Semi-annual reports  G/SCM/N/399, 15  December  2022 
 Semi-annual reports  G/SCM/N/399/Add.1, 20  April 2023 
Article  25.1 Notification of export subsidies  G/SCM/N/343/JOR, 20  January  2020 
Article  27.4 The transition period for the 
elimination of export subsidies  G/SCM/N/299/JOR, 5  July 2017 
G/SCM/N/299/JOR/Rev.1, 23  June 2017 
G/SCM/N/299/JOR/Rev.2, 24  July 2018 
G/SCM/N/299/JOR/Rev.3, 4  March  2020 
Article  25.12  Competent authorities  G/SCM/N/18/Add.50, 13 November  2019 
Agreement on Safeguards  
 Notification on termination of 
safeguard investigations with no 
safeguard measure imposed  G/SG/N/10/JOR/8/Suppl.2, 6  January  2016 
G/SG/N/9/JOR/10, 18  May 2020 
Article  12.1( a) Notification on initiation of an 
investigation and the reason for it  G/SG/N/6/JOR/18, 25  July 2016 
G/SG/N/6/JOR/19, 4  September  2019 
Article  12.1( b) 
findings, 12.1(c) 
decisions, and 
Article  9.1 footnote  2 Notification of a proposal to impose a 
measure  G/SG/N/7/JOR/2, 28 July 2016 
G/SG/N/8/JOR/10, 28  July 2016 
G/SG/N/11/JOR/6, 28  July 2016 
 
G/SG/N/7/JOR/2/Suppl.1, 17  August  2016 
G/SG/N/8/JOR/10/Suppl.1, 17  August  2016 
G/SG/N/11/JOR/6/Suppl.1, 17  August  2016 
 
G/SG/N/8/JOR/10/Suppl.2, 15  February  2017 
G/SG/N/10/JOR/10, 15  February  2017 
G/SG/N/11/JOR/6/Suppl.2, 15  February  2017 
 
G/SG/N/8/JOR/10/Suppl.3, 19  May 2017 
G/SG/N/10/JOR/10/Suppl.1, 19  May 2017 
G/SG/N/11/JOR/6/Suppl.3, 19  May 2017 
 
G/SG/N/11/JOR/6/Suppl.4, 3  August  2017 
 
G/SG/N/11/JOR/6/Suppl.5, 4  April 2018 
 
G/SG/N/11/JOR/6/Suppl.6, 18  October  2018 
 
G/SG/N/8/JOR/10/Suppl.4, 16  September  2019 
G/SG/N/10/JOR/10/Suppl.2, 16  September  2019 
G/SG/N/11/JOR/6/Suppl.7, 16  September  2019 
 
G/SG/N/8/JOR/10/Suppl.5, 29  October  2019 
G/SG/N/10/JOR/10/Suppl.3, 29  October  2019 
G/SG/N/11/JOR/6/Suppl.8, 29  October  2019 
 
G/SG/N/8/JOR/10/Suppl.3, 19  May 2017 
G/SG/N/10/JOR/10/Suppl.1, 19  May 2017 
G/SG/N/11/JOR/6/Suppl.3, 19  May 2017 
 
G/SG/N/8/JOR/10/Suppl.2, 15  February  2017 
G/SG/N/10/JOR/10, 15  February  2017 
G/SG/N/11/JOR/6/Suppl.2, 15  February  2017 
Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  
Article  7 Annex  B Emergency measures  G/SPS/N/JOR/37, 16  January  2017 
  G/SPS/N/JOR/38, 22  March  2017 
  G/SPS/N/JOR/39, 24  January  2018 
  G/SPS/N/JOR/40, 15  November  2018 
  G/SPS/N/JOR/41, 17  December  2019 
  G/SPS/N/JOR/42, 20  February  2020 
Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade  
 Labelling requirement for electronic 
displays  G/TBT/JOR/49, 30 May 2023 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation  
WT/L/911  Notification of Category Commitments  G/TFA/N/JOR/1, 7  June 2018 
Agreement on Trade -Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS)  
Article  63.2 Legislation   
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
__________  