RIYADH: Jordan’s real gross domestic product grew 2.9 percent in the first quarter of 2026, up from 2.7 percent a year earlier, despite regional challenges stemming from the war, official data showed.
According to quarterly estimates released by the Department of Statistics, agriculture recorded the strongest growth among all economic activities in the first quarter at 6.8 percent, followed by manufacturing at 5.3 percent, and mining and quarrying at 4.7 percent, as well as electricity at 4.3 percent, state news agency Petra reported.
The World Bank expects Jordan’s economy to maintain its upward trajectory, forecasting growth to reach 3 percent by 2028, supported by continued structural reforms and stronger export performance despite persistent regional geopolitical pressures.
Jordan’s performance also exceeded the World Bank’s latest forecast, which projected economic growth of 2.7 percent in 2026 before accelerating to 2.9 percent in 2027. Instead, the economy expanded 2.9 percent in the first quarter alone, underscoring stronger-than-expected momentum despite regional headwinds.
The newly released Petra statement said: “Government economic, fiscal and monetary measures helped support economic activity through a series of decisions aimed at stimulating productive sectors, according to the report. According to DoS, all economic activities recorded growth during the first quarter of 2026.”
Economists interviewed by Petra said the first-quarter growth figures highlight the resilience of Jordan’s economy and its ability to sustain growth despite regional instability and ongoing challenges.
Former Minister of State for Economic Affairs Yousef Mansour said the latest economic indicators point to broad-based growth, led by manufacturing, while agriculture also recorded gains despite weather-related challenges.
He attributed the positive outlook to the government’s focus on stimulating growth through projects that support economic activity and job creation, rather than concentrating solely on economic challenges and public debt.
Mansour said he expects growth to strengthen further next year, particularly if regional tensions ease, adding that continued efforts to stimulate the economy, clear outstanding financial obligations and launch productive projects would further boost economic activity and productivity. He also expressed confidence in the government’s ability to sustain its economic momentum in the period ahead.
Fathi Al-Jaghbir, president of the Jordan Chamber of Industry, said the Department of Statistics’ preliminary first-quarter estimates underscore the industrial sector’s central role in driving economic growth.
Manufacturing expanded 5.3 percent during the quarter, contributing 0.86 percentage points to Jordan’s overall GDP growth of 2.9 percent, making it the largest contributor to growth.
Al-Jaghbir said the figures reflect the resilience of Jordan’s economy and industrial sector despite regional challenges, attributing the performance to government policies that supported productive industries, strengthened public-private cooperation and advanced the Economic Modernization Vision.
He added that continued gains in competitiveness, production and exports reinforce industry’s role as a key engine of the national economy.
