Expected gov’t decision to lower tariffs on imported garments, footwear brings optimism

AMMAN—A government decision to lower tariffs on garment and footwear imports is expected soon, according to Asaad Qawasmi, representative of the clothing, garment and jewellery sector at the Jordan Chamber of Commerce.

On Wednesday, Qawasmi told The Jordan Times that reducing tariffs on clothing and footwear imports “will revitalise the sector and encourage people to buy clothes and footwear”.

“All indications point out that the tariffs on sector imports will be reduced, but until then we are waiting and monitoring the overall situation closely,” Qawasmi added.

Reducing tariffs would be a positive step forward, he said, noting that shopping tourism would increase and at the same time the Kingdom’s revenues would significantly grow.

Since the beginning of the New Year, the market situation has been calm, Qawasmi noted. 

All tools and methods have been used to increase the sector’s sales, but without government support and intervention nothing will change and things would just get worse, according to Qawasmi.

“This decision will encourage importers, prevent the evasion of fee payments and combat goods smuggling,” he noted.