Experts debate the impact of U.S. tariff policy on the Dominican Republic.

Santo Domingo.- Since April 5, 2025, President Donald Trump has imposed 10% tariffs on Dominican products imported into the United States. Although this measure could have a direct impact on economic growth and financial stability in the Dominican Republic, local and international experts indicated that these new policies create new challenges for the national economy, especially in promoting the development of free trade zones and creating new actions to address the new tariffs.

The meeting was held at the JW Marriott Hotel under the theme “Impacts and risks of the United States tariff policy on the Dominican Republic’s financial sector Sector” by the Dominican Republic Risk Management Club (CGRRD) and the Deloitte professional services network.

With keynote addresses from Fabio Salas, Tax and Legal Services Partner, and Daniel González, Senior Manager of Economic Analysis, both at Deloitte, they provided insight into the historical context of these new measures, as well as the current outlook for the nation to implement them.

For González, this tariff policy would only be sustainable in the short term. However, it is effective in sending political signals or addressing specific crises; its sustainability is low due to the economic distortions it presents.

“Generally, this tariff policy will have a short-term effect because it is a political rather than an economic rationale. It responded more to trade imbalances in those countries that had a trade surplus, and the government reacted somewhat, also driven by its voter base,” he stated during his speech.

He added that these tariff increases typically raise prices for consumers in the country that imposes them, leading to increased inflation, a reduction in purchasing power, and harming those they are intended to benefit.

The event also featured expert panels discussing how Dominican companies can adapt to overcome the challenges of the new tariffs while maintaining competitiveness, as well as the impact of this policy on credit risk.