Jordan's real gross domestic product expanded by 2.9 percent in the first quarter of 2026, accelerating from 2.7 percent in the same period a year earlier, according to official data released by the Department of Statistics. The growth exceeded the World Bank's latest forecast, which had projected 2.7 percent for the full year 2026, highlighting stronger-than-expected momentum despite persistent regional geopolitical pressures stemming from ongoing conflicts.
Strong Sectoral Performance Drives Growth
Agriculture recorded the strongest growth among all economic activities in the first quarter, surging 6.8 percent, followed by manufacturing at 5.3 percent, mining and quarrying at 4.7 percent, and electricity at 4.3 percent, the state news agency Petra reported. The broad-based expansion underscores the resilience of Jordan's economy amid regional instability.
Manufacturing contributed 0.86 percentage points to the overall GDP growth of 2.9 percent, making it the largest single contributor. Fathi Al-Jaghbir, president of the Jordan Chamber of Industry, said the figures reflect the industrial sector's central role in driving economic growth. "The figures reflect the resilience of Jordan's economy and industrial sector despite regional challenges," he said, attributing the performance to government policies that supported productive industries, strengthened public-private cooperation, and advanced the Economic Modernization Vision.
Government Measures and Outlook
The newly released Petra statement noted that government economic, fiscal, and monetary measures helped support economic activity through a series of decisions aimed at stimulating productive sectors. According to the Department of Statistics, all economic activities recorded growth during the first quarter of 2026.
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.
World Bank Forecasts Sustained Growth
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 first-quarter performance already exceeded the World Bank's previous forecast of 2.7 percent for 2026, which had been expected to accelerate to 2.9 percent in 2027. The actual first-quarter figure of 2.9 percent underscores stronger-than-expected momentum despite regional headwinds.
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. Al-Jaghbir added that continued gains in competitiveness, production, and exports reinforce industry's role as a key engine of the national economy.
