Sector insiders welcome exemptions on agricultural exports via air cargo

AMMAN — A recent decision to exempt agricultural exports via air cargo from fees will support the sector and enhance the competitiveness of Jordan's produce at international markets, sector leaders said on Tuesday.

The Cabinet has approved a decision to exempt fruit and vegetables exported via civil aviation from X-ray and handling fees, which total JD30 per tonne, according to Agriculture Ministry Spokesperson Nimer Haddadin, who stressed that the decision has entered into force.

"The exemption will encourage exporters to expand the amount and types of produce they export, particularly leafy crops which are on high demand in Europe and are considered high-value crops," Haddadin told The Jordan Times.

Jordan Exporters and Producers Association for Fruits and Vegetables President Zuhair Jweihan welcomed the new decision, noting that the X-ray and handling fees were imposed on agricultural exports via air cargo two months ago.

He noted that the fees reduced the competitiveness of the country's produce internationally and added to the market saturation of fruit and vegetables locally.

"We have objected to the newly imposed fees and explained in letters to the prime minister, minister of agriculture and other lawmakers that those fees constitute the profit that exporters make out of the whole process. We thank the government for listening to us," Jweihan said.

He noted that at present, 30 tonnes of produce is exported daily to Europe and the Gulf via air cargo, adding that with the fee exemptions, more exporters will be encouraged to market their produce abroad via civil aviation.

"Exporters can also target not only Europe, but also the Gulf market," Jweihan told The Jordan Times.

Meanwhile, Jordan Farmers Union President Mahmoud Oran highlighted that any additional fees imposed on the agricultural sector will increase production cost and negatively affect farmers.

"The union welcomes the decision, which will reduce burdens on farmers and exporters. We also call on the government to place at the top of its priorities opening new marketing portals for Jordanian fruit and vegetables," Oran said.