Exports from the Dominican Republic reached a record $12.019 billion in the first nine months of 2026, marking a 12.4% increase compared to the same period in 2025, according to preliminary data from the country’s customs service. In September alone, exports were valued at $1.458 billion, the highest figure recorded for the month, reflecting a 20.5% rise from September 2025, or an increase of $248.2 million.
The US remains the main market
The United States was the largest importer of Dominican goods, purchasing $5.6427 billion worth of products during the nine-month period, accounting for approximately 47% of total exports. Canada followed as the second-largest market with $1.5678 billion in purchases, while Haiti ranked third with $1.0405 billion. Additionally, Puerto Rico, treated separately, imported $553.4 million in Dominican products. Other notable markets included India at $433.9 million and Switzerland at $406.7 million. Together, the United States and Puerto Rico represented just over half of the Dominican Republic’s export sales.
Unprocessed gold dominated the export landscape, amounting to $2.3925 billion, a significant 49.8% rise from the previous year. Medical instruments and devices followed with $981.5 million, and cigars generated $727.9 million in revenue. ProDominicana reported remarkable growth for certain products, particularly orthopedic devices, which saw a 653% increase in exports. Other notable gains included a 177.4% rise in tobacco cigars and a 157.7% increase in tobacco leaves with stems partially or completely removed.
President Luis Abinader indicated that the Dominican Republic has just begun negotiations with the United States regarding trade terms, emphasizing a push to remove existing U.S. tariffs on Dominican goods under the DR-CAFTA agreement. During the reported period, the Dominican Republic exported a total of 2,804 product categories to 168 foreign markets.
