Jordan’s Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Supply delivers reassurance that the nation’s vital wheat and barley imports remain largely secure amidst escalating Red Sea crisis. Yanal Barmawi, the Ministry’s spokesperson, confirms that the primary source of these grain imports, Eastern European countries including Romania and Montenegro, continues to provide through the Suez Canal to Aqaba port.
The recent disruptions in Red Sea shipping routes, triggered by geopolitical strains, have led to significant changes in maritime operations. Shipping companies face the challenge of rerouting and finding alternative solutions, as reported by The Jordan Times. This situation has propelled the Jordanian government to seek new pathways for sea freight, especially to Europe and the US.
A key development in this scenario was a meeting between Transport Minister Wisam Tahtamouni and representatives from the Amman Chamber of Industry (ACI). The focus: exploring other maritime routes to ensure the flow of imports and exports remains uninterrupted. A critical concern is the Bab Al Mandeb Strait, a major global maritime route, now under threat due to the regional crisis. This strait, a link between Yemen and the Horn of Africa, is crucial for 65% of Jordan’s imports.
An existing agreement with Egypt, crafted about two years ago, may provide a solution. This agreement aimed to establish a secondary route to Mediterranean ports, now a potential alternative under the current circumstances.
The strategic importance of the Bab Al Mandeb Strait is underscored by its heavy traffic: over 17,000 ships annually. Its closure or limited accessibility could severely impact global trade, a sentiment echoed by various international news sources.
Despite these challenges, Jordan’s grain reserves remain strong. The country reportedly holds approximately 810,000 tonnes of wheat, sufficient to cover nine months of local consumption. This stockpile aligns with the country’s average monthly consumption of 52,000 tonnes of bread-suitable flour.
Furthermore, the ministry’s proactive measure of floating a tender for an additional 120,000 tonnes of wheat underscores its commitment to reinforcing national food security. In sum, Jordan’s adept handling of the Red Sea tensions showcases its agility in navigating global trade challenges, ensuring that its citizens’ essential needs are met without disruption.
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