Dominican Republic: Exports to Haiti jump 22% in Q1 2026

The latest trade figures between the Dominican Republic and Haiti paint a picture of robust growth in our nation's exports to our neighbor. The Directorate General of Customs (DGA) reports a significant 22% increase in exports during the first quarter of 2026, reaching US$333.6 million. This surge, up from approximately US$275.79 million in the same period last year, highlights the increasing demand for Dominican products in Haiti, particularly in essential sectors like construction.

Our country's strength in providing construction materials, such as rebar, iron, and steel, has been a cornerstone of this export growth. This is complemented by strong demand for hydraulic cement and wheat flour, demonstrating Haiti's reliance on Dominican supply chains for its basic needs. Beyond these core products, we also see dynamic contributions from sectors including bakery items, plastic transport and packaging materials, sauce preparations, and soybean and palm oil. This diversification showcases the breadth of our productive capacity and our ability to meet a wide range of Haitian market requirements.

It is noteworthy that while our national exports experienced a substantial rise of 33.78% to approximately US$249.5 million, sales from free trade zones saw a contraction of 19.9%, totaling US$54.5 million. This divergence suggests a shift in trade dynamics, with a greater emphasis on locally produced goods from the Dominican Republic. For us, this trend is particularly encouraging as it underscores the resilience and competitiveness of our national industries. It reaffirms the Dominican Republic's position as a vital economic partner for Haiti, contributing significantly to its development and stability through consistent and growing trade.