Jordan lifts export ban on select foodstuff

Jordan’s Ministry of Industry and Trade lifted Sunday a ban on the export and re-export of several key food commodities, according to a government decision issued under Regulation No. 41 for the year 2025.

The items now cleared for export and re-export include wheat, semolina flour, and the following dry legumes: chickpeas, lentils, and fava beans, in addition to powdered milk, according to the Jordan News Agency (Petra).

However, the ministry maintained the ban on exporting and re-exporting rice, sugar, and vegetable oils, specifically corn oil, sunflower oil, palm oil, and soybean oil.

Ministry spokesperson Yanal Barmawi told “Petra” that the decision to retain the ban on certain goods was made ahead of the holy month of Ramadan to ensure a secure strategic reserve and maintain price stability in local markets.

Barmawi added that the lifting of restrictions on other commodities was based on the availability of a sufficient strategic stockpile and aims to allow the private sector to engage in export and re-export activities.