Jordan’s textile and apparel industry is setting its sights on global expansion, leveraging the country’s Economic Modernisation Vision (EMV) to transform itself into a regional hub for high-value manufacturing, according to Ihab Qadri, sector representative at the Jordan Chamber of Industry.
In a statement to the Jordan News Agency (Petra) on Wednesday, Qadri outlined the ambitious roadmap for the sector, which includes creating over 149,000 jobs, increasing value-added output by 10% annually to reach $1.8 billion by 2033, and boosting exports to $5.5 billion. The industry also aims to attract $3.1 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI).
The sector currently consists of over 1,000 registered companies and employs more than 90,000 workers, including 29,000 Jordanians. Notably, 2,000 new jobs were created in 2024 alone. Apparel exports—accounting for 95% of total textile exports—soared to $1.664 billion in 2024, marking a 25% year-on-year increase, driven by rising demand from the United States, as well as growing reach into Canada, Europe, and the Gulf region.
To sustain this momentum, Qadri highlighted several strategic initiatives, including:
- Enhancing supply chains and logistics,
- Establishing integrated manufacturing clusters,
- Advancing workforce training,
- Encouraging collaboration between SMEs and larger firms.
Qadri also revealed that a feasibility study for an integrated industrial alliance has been completed, alongside regulatory reforms aimed at improving the investment climate. Amendments to the Customs Law now ease the importation of raw materials from development zones, reducing operational delays and increasing value-added opportunities.
With the EMV serving as a catalyst, Jordan’s textile sector is undergoing a transformation to meet international sustainability and efficiency standards, further strengthening its appeal to global buyers and investors. The growth in FDI is already fueling the development of new manufacturing facilities and expansion of existing operations, reinforcing Jordan’s role as a key player in the region’s textile landscape.
