During the first nine months of 2022, Jordan’s apparel imports rose by 27 per cent. Footwear imports rose by 25 per cent. During the same period China was the top exporter of clothing and footwear to Jordan by 40 per cent and 62 per cent respectively.

Other sources of Jordan’s apparel imports are Turkey, non-Arab Asian countries (excluding China and Turkey), Arab states and European nations. Jordan’s garment industry has been spared the worst effects of the pandemic, proving to be relatively resilient in its adaptability to new market trends.

Though Covid has had a major impact on the garment industry throughout the world, with Jordan being no exception, the economic downturn in Jordan’s garment industry has only had a 15 per cent reduction in garment exports and a full rebound is expected soon. Thus the sector has fared relatively well in comparison with Jordan’s other sectors. Jordan’s garment exports in 2020 made up 22 per cent of all Jordan’s exports. With 24 per cent of all exports going to the US, the US continues to be a major export market for Jordan.

However customs fees and taxes imposed on the sector have reached 47 per cent. Other challenges facing the sector include illegal e-commerce and the mail package trade.