05/07/2025
Jordan's pharmaceutical industry has seen strong, sustained growth and is rising to become a regional hub for drug production and exports
---
📈 Strong Export Growth
2024 witnessed a 14.8% increase in pharmaceutical exports, reaching JD 611 million (~USD 885 million), making it the second‑fastest growing industrial export sector in Jordan .
In 2023, exports rose ~19% to JD 616 million, with over 2,480 medicinal products shipped abroad .
For the first nine months of 2024 alone, drug exports climbed 19%, totaling JD 437 million .
🌍 Expanding Global Reach
Jordanian pharmaceuticals are now sold in 80–85 markets worldwide, including key importers like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, UAE, Algeria, Yemen, and the US .
The sector exports roughly 80% of its total output .
🏭 Industry Capacity & Workforce
There are around 27–139 manufacturing facilities (depending if you count therapeutic vs. total pharma), employing 7,000–9,500+ people, with women making up about 35% of the workforce .
The industry can produce JOD 1.5 billion worth of medicines annually, covering some 4,500 drug products across major therapeutic areas .
🎯 Government Backing & Strategy
As part of Jordan’s Economic Modernisation Vision (EMV), the government aims to grow pharmaceutical employment to 16,000, increase exports to JD 2.1 billion, and attract JD 1.1 billion in new investments by 2033 .
Regulatory enhancements—such as streamlined drug registrations—are helping improve international competitiveness .
An initiative launched in August 2024, backed by the IFC, World Bank, Netherlands, JFDA, and government ministries, further accelerates sector growth .
🔮 Outlook & Forecasts
A Fitch/BMI report forecasts exports to grow 11% in 2025 and reach JD 990 million (USD 1.4 billion) by 2029, at a CAGR of 8.9% from 2024 to 2029 .
Jordan maintains the only positive trade balance in pharmaceuticals in the MENA region .
💡 Key Drivers
1. Well‑established manufacturing base & infrastructure
2. Favorable regulatory environment with simplified approvals and alignment with FDA/EMA standards
3. Regional demand crescita (e.g. rising health expenditure in MENA)
4. Government support, funding, and a focused modernization strategy
✅ Summary
Jordan's pharmaceutical sector is flourishing. With export value jumping ~15‑19% yearly, robust government support, and a strategic plan under EMV, it's poised to nearly double export revenues by 2033. Challenges remain—namely competition from larger markets like Saudi Arabia and Egypt—but Jordan's strengths in generics and regulatory alignment make it a strong contender regionally
