Trade between Jordan and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries surged to JD2.561 billion ($3.61 billion) during the first five months of 2025, marking a significant increase from JD2.157 billion ($3.04 billion) in the same period last year, according to data from the Department of Statistics.
Exports and imports on the rise
Jordan’s exports to the GCC rose to JD735 million ($1.04 billion) by the end of May 2025, up from JD640 million ($902 million) in the same period in 2024.
Meanwhile, imports from GCC countries reached JD1.826 billion ($2.57 billion), compared to JD1.517 billion ($2.14 billion) last year.
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Saudi Arabia remains Jordan’s largest GCC trade partner
Saudi Arabia topped the list with a trade volume exceeding JD1.691 billion ($2.38 billion) by the end of May, up from JD1.526 billion ($2.15 billion) in the same period of 2024.
Jordan’s exports to Saudi Arabia reached JD478 million ($673 million), while imports stood at JD1.213 billion ($1.71 billion).
Key Jordanian exports included fresh and cooked fruits and vegetables, pharmaceuticals, live animals (mainly sheep), and chemical products. Imports from the kingdom primarily included petroleum, food industry products, and chemicals.
UAE second-largest trade partner among GCC states
The UAE ranked second, with a total trade volume of JD603 million ($850 million). Of this, JD113 million ($159 million) represented Jordanian exports, mainly gold and platinum-plated gold, while non-monetary raw gold was the most significant import.
Trade with other GCC countries
Qatar: Trade reached JD104 million ($146 million), including JD48 million ($68 million) in exports such as fresh and processed food items. Imports included chemicals, pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, and motor oil.
Kuwait: Trade amounted to JD75 million ($106 million), with JD52 million ($73 million) in Jordanian exports of plant and animal products, and imports focused on oxygen gas, petroleum products, and their derivatives like natural gas and oils.
Oman: Total trade reached JD51 million ($72 million). Jordan exported around JD24 million ($34 million) worth of fertilizer, food, and agricultural products, while imports centered on anhydrous ammonia, steel, and related derivatives.
Bahrain: Combined trade surpassed JD37 million ($52 million), including JD20 million ($28 million) in Jordanian exports of fruits, vegetables, and other food items. Imports mainly consisted of carbon dioxide, oil or diesel, fish and seafood, and aluminum alloys.
The rising trade figures highlight the growing economic ties between Jordan and the Gulf region, driven by diversified export portfolios and increased demand for energy and industrial products.
With both exports and imports increasing across all GCC nations, the trend points to sustained commercial momentum for the remainder of 2025.
