Imports during the first five months of 2000 were more than double the exports, the Central Bank of Jordan's (CB) monthly bulletin revealed.
The bulletin, a copy of which was obtained by the Jordan Times, showed that while exports totaled almost JD418.9 million, imports stood around JD1.1 billion during the January-May period.
Exports during the same period of last year were around JD397.6 million and imports were slightly over JD928.2 million.
The August release also highlighted that medical and pharmaceutical products topped Jordan's export list in the first five months of this year.
On the imports side, the CBJ figures said that transports equipment and spare parts accounted for the major part of imports through the five-month span.
Iraq, according to the release, remained the Kingdom's largest trade partner, where imports from the Kingdom's eastern neighbor stood at slightly below JD195 million.
However, the trade balance during the examined months was heavily in Iraq's favor, with Jordanian exports estimated at JD47 million.
Germany and the United States ranked second and third in terms of imports.
The largest importers from the Kingdom during the set months were India, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
Exports to Israel' jumped — through the first five months of this year — to more than JD20.3 million compared to JD11.3 million a year earlier. — ( Jordan Times )
By Rana Awwad
© 2000 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
