Imports fall by 10 percent in Aqaba

(MENAFN) The first quarter of this year saw a 2 percent decrease in cargo movement through the facilities at Aqaba ports, which handle both imported and exported goods. This information comes from the maritime transport sector's performance indicators released by the Ministry of Transport.

During this period, the total weight of goods handled amounted to 5,384,404 tons, compared to 5,513,385 tons in the same quarter of the previous year. Notably, the volume of exported goods increased by 6 percent, reaching 2,911,508 tons, up from 2,750,395 tons. However, this growth in exports was overshadowed by a significant 10% drop in imported goods, which fell to 2,472,896 tons from 2,762,990 tons.

At the new port of Aqaba, total cargo handling, which includes both imports and exports, declined by 9 percent in the first quarter of this year. The port handled 1,420,425 tons, down from 1,557,854 tons in the first quarter of last year. This reduction included a 17 percent decrease in imported goods, although the volume of exported goods saw a substantial 45% increase.

The industrial port also experienced a downturn, with a 15 percent decrease in total cargo handling during the first quarter. The total volume processed was 1,244,848 tons, down from 1,468,001 tons the previous year. This decrease included a 22 percent reduction in imported goods and a 12 percent reduction in exported goods.

Overall, the first quarter of this year presented a mixed performance for Aqaba ports. While there was notable growth in exports, it was insufficient to counterbalance the significant decline in imports. This trend underscores the challenges faced in maintaining a balanced cargo throughput at the ports.

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