Dominican Republic expands beef exports to new markets

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic continues to strengthen its international presence in the beef market, with recent exports to El Salvador and Guyana following the successful entry into the US market in 2022.

Eric Rivero, Agricultural Advisor to the Executive Branch, emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering national production and strengthening the country’s livestock sector. “These achievements not only guarantee our food self-sufficiency but also generate foreign exchange and position our livestock industry as globally competitive,” said Rivero.

The re-entry into the US market marked a significant milestone for the Dominican beef industry. After years of restrictions due to health and safety standards, the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) approved the export of raw beef and beef products from the Dominican Republic.

Over the past two years, the country has exported over $14 million worth of beef to the US. This success is attributed to the efforts of four to six certified slaughterhouses that adhere to strict quality standards.

The expansion into El Salvador and Guyana represents a major step in diversifying the country’s export markets. Rivero stressed the importance of meeting international standards and continuously improving production processes. “These new markets present both challenges and opportunities,” he noted. “We must strive to maintain our high standards and adapt to evolving market demands.”

The Dominican Republic’s beef industry is poised for further growth and development. By focusing on quality, sustainability, and market diversification, the country aims to solidify its position as a reliable supplier of beef products to the global market.