Dominican cement industry leads Latin America and Caribbean exports

Santo Domingo.- Cement is strengthening its role in the Dominican Republic’s export performance, with the country’s cement industry emerging as a leading exporter of cement, lime, and gypsum in Latin America and the Caribbean.

According to data from the General Directorate of Customs (DGA) cited by the Regional Center for Sustainable Economic Strategies (Crees), Dominican exports totaled US$3.34 billion from January to June 2026, a 35.1% increase compared with the same period in 2025. The chemicals and minerals sector contributed US$295 million, or 8.8% of total exports, with cement and copper accounting for 4.8%.

The Dominican Association of Portland Cement Producers (Adocem) said the figures demonstrate the importance of maintaining a strong domestic industrial base capable of meeting local demand while competing in international markets.

A Ministry of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs (MICM) report found that Latin America and the Caribbean exported US$581.3 million in cement, lime, and gypsum in 2025. The Dominican Republic accounted for 25.4% of those exports, making it the region’s leading exporter and placing it ahead of Mexico and Guatemala.

Crees has warned that Dominican exports remain concentrated in a limited number of sectors and has called for greater diversification and the promotion of higher-value products. Adocem argues that strengthening local manufacturing can contribute to that goal by encouraging investment, innovation, efficiency, and sustainable production.

The association also emphasized the importance of public policies that promote productive investment, legal certainty, competitiveness, and better access to international markets, allowing domestic industries to expand production and create greater economic value in the country.