Dominican economy grows 4.5% through August
The Dominican economy grew 4.5% in the first eight months of this year (January-August), according to preliminary figures from the Central Bank, which puts this growth higher than the 2.3% recorded in the same period of 2025.
In August alone, the year-on-year variation of the IMAE (Monthly Indicator of Economic Activity) was 3.8%, growth that was supported, outside of mining (-14.6%) and agricultural activity (-1.4%), which showed negative variations; by a higher value added in construction with 7.9%, manufacturing in free zones 3.4%, and local manufacturing 3.1%.
Services also increased by 4.1%, led by financial services at 9.4%, education at 6.1%, energy and water at 6.0%, and other market service activities at 6.0%.
Construction
Construction grew by 9% in August 2026, driven primarily by private residential and non-residential investment projects and civil engineering works related to Government capital expenditures. This growth is reflected in the increased sales volume of key inputs and materials used by this important sector, according to the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (BCRD). Institutional improvements aimed at streamlining and increasing the transparency of new project approval processes also contributed to this growth.
Manufacturing in free trade zones grew 3.4% year-on-year in August, driven by strong exports of manufactured tobacco, jewelry and related items, and electrical products. Local manufacturing grew moderately, driven by mineral products, other chemical substances and products, and pharmaceuticals.
Hotels, bars, and restaurants saw revenue rise 2.3% in August 2026 due to higher non-resident arrivals. During that month, 725,481 tourists entered the country, compared to 725,481 tourists in August 2025. The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (BCRD) highlights the Ministry of Tourism’s tourism promotion strategies, which aim to strengthen key source markets and further diversify the origin of visitors.
Drought affected the rice
The Central Bank explains that the agricultural sector declined year on year due to drought that has affected various regions of the country in recent months. In this regard, rice, legumes, some fodder, pork, and other items contracted compared with the previous year. Nevertheless, the accumulated growth in this activity peaked in August 2026.
Mining falls -1.4%
Mining registered a negative year-on-year variation of -14.6% in August, “essentially associated with the decrease in the volume of gold extraction due to scheduled maintenance at the country’s main plant, placing the accumulated growth of this activity at 3.6% during January-August 2026.
