The United States and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan announced on July 21 a new agreement focused on enhancing reciprocity in their bilateral trade relationship. The agreement aims to secure preferential trade arrangements, address tariff and non-tariff barriers, and strengthen commercial ties through increased alignment on economic security matters.
Under the terms of the agreement, Jordan will apply customs duties to U.S. goods as set out in the existing U.S.–Jordan Free Trade Area (FTA), while the United States will grant tariff treatment for Jordanian goods according to an annex included in this new accord. The agreement also stipulates that Jordan shall not impose quotas or restrictive import licensing measures on originating goods from the United States, except as otherwise agreed by both parties.
In addition, Jordan commits to removing technical barriers to trade by allowing U.S. goods that comply with applicable American or international standards to enter its market without additional conformity assessment requirements. Both countries have agreed to provide non-discriminatory or preferential market access for each other’s agricultural products, with particular attention given to science- and risk-based sanitary and phytosanitary measures.
The agreement further addresses issues related to intellectual property protection, services trade barriers, regulatory practices, labor rights—including prohibitions against forced labor—and environmental protections. On digital commerce, Jordan agrees not to impose discriminatory digital services taxes or customs duties on electronic transmissions involving U.S. companies.
Measures are also included for cooperation on export controls, sanctions compliance with U.S.-designated entities lists, investment security reviews in sensitive sectors, defense trade enhancement, combating transshipment practices that evade duties, and facilitating investment by U.S. firms in critical sectors within Jordan.
Either party may terminate the agreement by providing written notice six months in advance. Entry into force is contingent upon both countries completing their respective internal procedures and notifying each other accordingly.