The Trump administration has reached what it is describing as a “landmark” trade agreement with Jordan in its first reciprocal deal in the Middle East.
“President Trump is deepening our economic and strategic partnerships in the Middle East, reaching deals to unlock new opportunities for American exporters,” said Ambassador Jamieson Greer. “Today’s signing secures substantial purchases of U.S. goods and eliminates barriers facing American workers and manufacturers. I thank my counterparts from Jordan for their commitment to achieving fair, balanced, and reciprocal trade with the United States, particularly as we face common threats in the region.”
According to the deal, Jordan has “committed to improving trade with the United States by enforcing environmental laws, protecting labor rights, including by prohibiting the importation of goods produced by forced labor, strengthening intellectual property protection, ensuring fair trade practices, and improving customs procedures,” a fact sheet reads.
The deal further guarantees that Jordan will not “impose digital services taxes, or similar taxes, that discriminate against U.S. companies in law or in fact.”
President Trump has also weighed an oil deal with Iraq. “They have tremendous oil reserves. They have tremendous potential wealth, and they have tremendous wealth, not only potential,” he said during a recent meeting with Iraq’s Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi. “We’re going to have a long-term relationship with a man that will be a great leader. You mark my words. I knew what I was doing.”
“Because of their oil, and we’re going to be doing a lot of deals,” Trump said, adding, “We’re going to create a lot of jobs for both countries, and we’re going to be taking out a lot of oil.”
