Aqaba ports record 38% cargo surge to 2.8M tonnes, on Iraq transit shipments

JORDAN – Aqaba ports have recorded a 38% growth in cargo volume during the first half of 2026, reaching approximately 2.8 million tonnes compared to the same period in 2025, with transit shipments bound for Iraq emerging as a primary driver.

The multi-purpose port welcomed 164 ships, up from 150 during the same period in 2025, a 9.3% increase.

Operational Efficiency and Infrastructure Upgrades

The large growth in cargo volume, compared to the smaller increase in the number of ships, demonstrates greater operational efficiency and the adoption of larger vessels.

ASEZA Chief Commissioner Shadi Majali said that Aqaba ports continue to boost their position thanks to advanced infrastructure, specialized berths, deep drafts, and modern handling equipment that can accommodate larger vessels carrying massive quantities of essential goods.

Additionally, deeper berths and modern handling equipment enable larger reefer vessels to dock directly at Aqaba, reducing transhipment delays for perishable cargo moving to Iraqi and Levantine markets.

Transit Trade and Regional Food Security

Transit shipments bound for Iraq are expected to exceed one million tonnes by the end of June. The port handled approximately 62,000 heads of live cattle, while sugar shipments made up 55% of the total transit cargo, followed by corn and barley at 33%.

The port has become essential to regional food security, handling large volumes of sugar, grain, and livestock destined for Iraq and other neighbouring markets. Majali added that the port’s operational performance indicators highlight the need to develop logistics services and improve efficiency to support the national economy and regional transit trade.

Strategic Gateway for the Middle East

Aqaba’s growing status as a pivotal logistics hub aligns with ASEZA’s plans to enhance the city’s competitiveness. The port’s performance highlights its evolving role as a critical gateway for trade across the Middle East, particularly for transit cargo destined for Iraq and other landlocked markets.

Advanced infrastructure, specialized berths, deep drafts, and modern handling equipment enable the port to accommodate larger vessels carrying essential goods.

These advancements align with broader strategic goals to enhance Jordan’s position within complex international supply chains, with Aqaba serving as a critical gateway for trade across the Middle East, particularly for strategic goods linked to food security. Furthermore, the port’s performance highlights its evolving role as a pivotal logistics hub in the region.

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