Industrial exports from Zarqaa Governorate rose by 10 percent during the first seven months of this year, reaching $902.8 million compared to $821.6 million during the same period in 2025. Meanwhile, July exports stood at $133.7 million, compared to $155.4 million for the same month last year.
Engineer Fares Hammoudeh, Chairman of the Zarqaa Chamber of Industry, stated that Arab markets accounted for 46 percent of total exports, valued at $414.8 million—a 19 percent increase from $348.2 million recorded during the same period last year.
He added that Iraq topped the list of import markets with $193.7 million, up by 40 percent, followed by the Saudi market at $92.6 million. Exports to the UAE grew by 22 percent to $23.4 million, to Syria by 69 percent to $18.2 million, and to Qatar by 165 percent to $18 million.
Hammoudeh noted that Zarqaa’s exports to North American markets reached $355.5 million, representing 39 percent of total exports—a 1 percent increase—including $341 million to the United States and $12.8 million to Canada.
He further explained that exports to non-Arab Asian countries totaled $73.5 million, up 38 percent, while exports to European Union countries reached $23.1 million (a 3 percent decline), and exports to non-Arab African nations stood at $1.3 million (a 35 percent drop).
In terms of industrial sectors, Hammoudeh highlighted that the leather and garment industry led with $377.02 million. It was followed by the foodstuff, agricultural, and livestock sector at $214.4 million (up 44 percent), engineering, electrical, and IT industries at $86.83 million, and the construction sector at $67.61 million (despite a 15 percent drop). The packaging, paper, cardboard, and office supplies sector reached $48.35 million, marking a 42 percent surge.
Hammoudeh concluded by noting that exports of chemical industries and cosmetics reached $45.86 million, plastic and rubber products $33.81 million, therapeutic and medical supplies $27.05 million, and wooden products and furniture $1.71 million. — (Petra)
