Jordan’s economy maintained its steady upward trajectory at the start of 2026, recording a real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate of 2.9% in the first quarter, according to the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ).
The expansion reflects accelerating economic performance, building upon the 2.7% and 2.5% growth rates recorded during the first quarters of 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Dr. Adel Al-Sharkas, Governor of the Central Bank of Jordan, stated that this improvement underscores the resilience of the Jordanian economy and its capacity to adapt to volatile regional and international developments. Al-Sharkas credited targeted government interventions and structural changes for providing crucial support to the market before and during recent regional tensions.
Liquidity Boost and Private Sector Support
A major catalyst for the first-quarter momentum was a strategic financial injection by the Jordanian government. Authorities cleared outstanding financial arrears exceeding 280 million Jordanian Dinars (JOD) owed to private sector companies and corporations. This massive settlement significantly boosted market liquidity, supported operational continuity, and stimulated commercial activity across the country.
The 2.9% Q1 expansion outperformed recent international projections. The World Bank had previously forecasted Jordan’s overall 2026 economic growth at approximately 2.6%. The stronger-than-expected first-quarter data signals robust macroeconomic foundations and effective implementation of the country's economic reforms.
Broad-Based Growth Led by Manufacturing and Agriculture
Central Bank data shows that the economic expansion was broad-based, extending across multiple production and service sectors:
Manufacturing: Maintained its leading role in driving the economy, growing by 5.3% and contributing nearly a third of total GDP growth.
Agriculture: Logged the strongest sectoral surge with a 6.8% expansion.
Mining and Quarrying: Grew by 4.7%, reflecting improved commodity performance.
Wholesale and Retail Trade: Expanded by 3.2%.
Transportation and Storage: Registered a 3.1% increase.
Finance and Insurance: Rose by 2.9%.
Collectively, productive sectors accounted for more than 55% of the total economic growth achieved during the first quarter of 2026—a sharp increase compared to the historical average of 33.8% recorded between 2015 and 2021.
Rising Remittances, Exports, and Tourism Revenues
Key macroeconomic pillars also delivered strong figures in the early months of the year, driven by structural reforms under Jordan's Economic Modernization Vision:
Expatriate Remittances: Cash transfers from Jordanians working abroad climbed by 13.3% to reach $1.6 billion during the first four months of 2026.
National Exports: Totaled nearly $3 billion in the first quarter, marking a 1.6% year-on-year increase.
Tourism Revenues: Generated $2.8 billion over the first five months of 2026, anchoring foreign exchange inflows despite regional geopolitical headwinds.
While Governor Al-Sharkas expressed cautious optimism, pointing out that ongoing regional uncertainty demands continued vigilance, he emphasized that the widening base of sectoral growth proves Jordan's structural reforms are delivering sustainable stability.
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