Negative impacts to Dominican Republic on exports due to tariffs

The imposition of a 10% tariff on the Dominican Republic announced by the President of the United States, Donald Trump, represents significant changes that will have direct and indirect impacts at global and bilateral levels. The higher prices may negatively affect demand (exports) in the United States, said the American Chamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic (AmchamDR).

The entity pointed out that the US government’s reciprocal tariff policy for several countries, including the Dominican Republic, is among the lowest (10%). Therefore, the Dominican market share seems to have a lower relative impact and could benefit from Asian products, where significantly higher reciprocal tariffs have been applied.

He noted that the trade relationship with the United States is the most important bilateral relationship for the country. It represents 53.5% of Dominican exports, valued at US$6.9 billion in 2024.

Meanwhile, imports from the United States were US$11,558.24 million. Therefore, says AmchamDR, it is essential to evaluate carefully the challenges and opportunities these measures may bring.

“AmchamDR is a bi-national chamber representing 1,600 companies responsible for 59% of Dominican exports. We have asked our Economy, Trade Facilitation and Bilateral Relations committees to review the announced measures and provide a net assessment that will be shared with our members and key stakeholders in the Government,” the entity said in a statement.