International food security expert Dr. Fadel ELZUBI stated that the proactive measures adopted by the Jordanian government in recent years have significantly strengthened the Kingdom’s ability to absorb current pressures.
He explained that if regional escalation remains temporary, markets usually return to balance within weeks. However, if prolonged, these pressures could evolve into structural burdens affecting public budgets and commodity prices.
Regarding decisions to diversify import routes and exemptions linked to rising shipping costs, ELZUBI noted that such steps help safeguard the food security system by reducing reliance on a single logistical path or supplier. This, he said, enhances the resilience of national supply chains in the face of crises.
ELZUBI highlighted that, according to comprehensive assessments of the food security system, Jordan possesses reserves that cover several months, reaching 14–16 months for certain essential commodities. This achievement stems from proactive policies and multi-level contingency planning.
He confirmed that evaluations of Jordan’s food stock show that the short-term outlook (3–6 months) is favorable—indeed above the regional average—particularly for wheat and barley. On accelerating supply chains through land routes, ELZUBI emphasized that this measure supports market stability by lowering transport and handling costs and speeding up truck movement, which positively impacts prices.
He pointed out that trade flows through the Jaber–Nassib crossing have grown remarkably, with inbound and outbound cargo increasing by more than 272% from early 2025 to the end of July compared to the same period the previous year. Land freight in Jordan also rose by 37.7% in the second quarter of 2025, reflecting clear revitalization of the transport system and supply chains.
ELZUBI added that Jordan already achieves good levels of self-sufficiency in products such as olives, olive oil, fresh milk, eggs, and goat meat, along with a significant share of poultry and vegetable production. This provides an opportunity to strengthen these sectors and export surpluses to generate foreign currency that can finance imports of goods not produced locally.
Finally, he stressed that enhancing food security in Jordan also requires addressing the link between food and energy security. Accelerating the shift to solar energy in cooling chains, transport, and milling would reduce production and storage costs, thereby boosting the Kingdom’s capacity to withstand economic pressures tied to geopolitical crises.