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Exporting from the UK to Jordan: A market guide

Overview

In recent years, Jordan has undertaken economic reform and re-opened borders with neighbouring markets. This has created new opportunities in this market for UK businesses.

Trade statistics

£1.0 billion total UK exports to Jordan for the four quarters to the end of Q1 2024

(Source: ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted
Last updated: July 2024)

66th largest UK export market

(Source: ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted
Last updated: July 2024)

0.1% of total UK exports for the four quarters to the end of Q1 2024

(Source: ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted
Last updated: July 2024)

Reform plans

Jordan is enacting new laws to address challenges in the private sector. The government aims to lower energy costs, ease access to highly-skilled labour and increase female participation in the labour market.

Ties to neighbouring countries

Jordan continues to be a gateway to Iraq and has signed agreements for joint projects to revive economic ties, including a free trade zone. Most major Iraqi companies have their bases in Amman and strongly prefer to do business with British companies. Many companies conduct business in Iraq from Jordan.

Growing, entrepreneurial private sector

Jordan has a large number of start-up successes in the region. Business incubators, accelerators, mentors and market access support systems are well-established. A new infrastructure investment programme has also re-energised the economy.

Top five UK goods exported to Jordan , in the four quarters to the end of Q2 2024

Goods Value (£ million )
Mechanical power generators (intermediate) 173.3
Cars 27.5
Aircraft 26.5
General industrial machinery (capital) 23.5
Road vehicles other than cars (capital) 19.9

Source: ONS Trade in goods: country-by-commodity exports
Last updated: September 2024
Download the latest trade and investment factsheet for Jordan.

Jordan: at a glance

Economic growth

2.2%

Actual figure (IMF, 2021)
The UK is 7.6% (IMF, 2021, actual figure)

GDP per capita

$4,400

Actual figure (IMF, 2021)
The UK is $46,422 (IMF, 2021, projected figure)

Currency

Jordanian dinar

Business language

Arabic and English

You may need a translator

Time zone

GMT +3

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Opportunities for exporters

There are opportunities for UK companies across a broad range of industries. Our trade advisers in Jordan have identified particular opportunities for UK businesses in the following sectors:

Check for trade barriers

Trade barriers, such as tariffs or taxes, can raise costs, cause delays, or even stop you from exporting. Check for any issues that may impact your business when exporting.

See current trade barriers

See resolved trade barriers

Check duties and customs

Find information on how to export goods from the UK. View the duties, rules, restrictions, and the documents you need for your products.

See current duties and customs procedures

Doing business in Jordan

Preparing to export

VAT

If you’re registered for VAT, it may be possible to zero-rate the goods you export to Jordan, provided certain conditions are met.

The general VAT rate in Jordan is currently 16%.

Import duties

Customs tariffs on different products and commodities can be found on the website of Jordan’s Customs Department.

Standards

The Jordan Standards and Metrology Organisation issues and enforces product standards. The Jordan Food and Drug Administration is responsible for food and pharmaceuticals regulation.

Labelling

Local importers are responsible for informing foreign suppliers of any applicable labelling requirements. All labelling and safety instructions should be in Arabic. Production and expiry dates must be printed on the original label or the container by the manufacturer.

Trade barriers

Check for any reported barriers to trading with Jordan.

Report any trade barriers that are affecting your business so we can help fix them.

Operating in Jordan

Considerations

Doing business in Jordan may come with some challenges. Jordan has been affected by the global financial crisis, experiencing disruption to its energy supply and trade routes. It is also handling an influx of refugees from Syria. UK Export Finance (UKEF) can offer trade finance and insurance cover for UK companies.

Jordan is governed by a constitutional monarchy. The King, Prime Minister and appointed ministers form the executive power, while the upper (senate) and lower (elected deputies) houses of Jordan’s parliament lead on legislation. Ongoing political and economic reforms mean there are frequent updates and changes to laws and regulations.

Intellectual property

Intellectual property (IP) rights are territorial and rights granted in the UK do not provide protection elsewhere. You should consider getting IP protection abroad if you want to trade overseas or sell to overseas customers via the internet.

The Intellectual Property Office provides practical information to help you protect, manage and enforce your IP abroad. Further support for British businesses can be found through a network of IP attachés, based in key UK export markets.

Business partnerships

Working with business partners is an important part of doing business in Jordan. Background, history, connections, projects, and regional access are points we recommend discussing with potential partners. Our trade team in Jordan can help you set up introductions and meetings.

Entry requirements

British passport holders can obtain their single-entry visa upon arrival at Queen Alia Airport in Amman. Visas cost 40 Jordanian dinars. Visas can also be obtained in advance from the Jordanian embassy in the relevant city.

Next steps

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