Dominican tobacco exports surpass US$1.34 billion

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic has reaffirmed its position as a global leader in the tobacco industry, with annual cigar exports exceeding US$1.34 billion to 148 countries, according to Iván Hernández Guzmán, director of the Tobacco Institute (Intabaco).

The United States is the primary market, accounting for over 74% of exports and generating nearly US$1 billion in revenue. Other key destinations include China, Germany, and Belgium. Premium cigars—both handmade and machine-made—are in high demand, and exports meet strict standards for logistics, humidity, and temperature control.

Hernández Guzmán highlighted the growing diversification of markets, with emerging demand from South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Poland. The tobacco sector also plays a vital role in employment, supporting more than 40,000 direct and 110,000 total jobs within the free trade zones.

He praised Dominican tobacco as a “true national brand,” underscoring ongoing government and private sector efforts to support sustainable production, attract foreign investment, and strengthen international promotion through partnerships and trade agreements like DR-CAFTA.