A range of economic indicators can be used to assess the performance of the Jordanian economy in 2026, with only the fourth quarter remaining. Overall, these indicators point to a degree of resilience and an ability to navigate the many economic and geopolitical challenges that have emerged during the year and continue to shape the economic outlook.

 

This assessment should be made within the broader regional context. The Jordanian economy has been operating in an increasingly complex environment marked by wars and regional instability. These developments have affected several economic sectors, particularly tourism and investment, while also increasing shipping, transportation, and energy costs. They have disrupted trade routes and increased uncertainty for businesses and investors. These external conditions are important when assessing economic performance objectively, as they inevitably affect both economic activity and investment decisions.

 

Real GDP growth reached 2.9% in the first quarter of 2026, compared with 2.7% in the first quarter of 2025. Growth had also remained at around 2.8% during the second, third, and fourth quarters of 2025. This indicates that the Jordanian economy has maintained a relatively stable growth path despite the difficult external environment. However, the current pace of growth remains below what is needed to generate employment at a faster rate and achieve stronger improvements in income levels. The composition of growth is nevertheless encouraging, with industry expanding by 5.3%, agriculture by 6.8%, and electricity by 4.3% in the first quarter of 2026.

 

The performance of the productive sectors is particularly significant when considered alongside developments in external trade. National exports increased by 6.2% during the first six months of 2026, while total exports rose by 14.5% over the same period. This is an important development given the regional and global disruptions affecting trade. Stronger exports can support foreign currency earnings, expand the capacity of productive sectors, and strengthen the contribution of domestic production to economic activity.

 

Inflation has also remained relatively moderate. It stood at 2.2% during the first eight months of 2026, compared with 1.4% in the first quarter and 2.7% in the second quarter. Maintaining price stability remains important for protecting purchasing power and supporting economic decision-making. At the same time, continued vigilance is necessary, particularly given the possibility of further increases in global energy prices and their potential impact on production and transportation costs.

 

The monetary and banking indicators also point to continued financial stability. Foreign reserves provide coverage equivalent to 9.2 months of imports, while the capital adequacy ratio of the banking sector reached 18%. Workers' remittances increased by 14.3% during the first half of 2026, providing an important source of foreign currency and supporting domestic economic activity.

 

The financial market also recorded a notable improvement during the first seven months of the year. Trading volume increased by 74%, while average daily trading reached JOD 13.6 million, compared with JOD 8.8 million during the corresponding period of 2025. Market capitalization increased by 8.2%, while the price index rose by 10.7%, following a 45% increase during 2025. These developments indicate stronger activity in the capital market and improved investor participation.

 

Nevertheless, the central economic challenge extends beyond maintaining macroeconomic stability. The real objective is to transform stability into stronger and more sustainable economic growth capable of generating more employment opportunities. The number of net new jobs created for Jordanians increased from 79,000 in 2022 to 87,600 in 2025. This represents a positive trend, but it also highlights the need to continue expanding productive and investment-oriented sectors that can generate sustainable employment and higher value-added activities.

 

In this regard, major investment and infrastructure projects could play an important role in strengthening the economy's growth potential. These include the railway project, the development of Marka Airport, gas projects, green hydrogen and green ammonia projects, and the Ammrah project. Such projects have the potential to provide a significant boost to economic activity by attracting investment, increasing value added, strengthening infrastructure, and creating new opportunities for production and employment. Their successful implementation could help the economy move beyond the 4% growth threshold.

 

Overall, the economic picture in Jordan during 2026 so far combines relatively stable growth, moderate inflation, stronger exports, increased activity in the capital market, higher workers' remittances, and progress on several major projects. These developments reflect a degree of resilience in the Jordanian economy despite an exceptionally challenging regional environment.

 

The real test, however, is whether these positive indicators can be translated into higher and more sustainable economic growth and greater employment opportunities. Jordan needs to move beyond maintaining stability toward strengthening productivity, expanding productive capacity, attracting quality investment, increasing exports, and creating sustainable jobs.