Dominican Republic sees poverty drop to 15.4% amid economic growth

Monetary poverty in the Dominican Republic has declined to 15.4% in the first quarter of 2026, marking a significant decrease of 2.6 percentage points compared to the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Finance and Economy. Rural poverty stood at 18.8%, while urban poverty was recorded at 14.8%.

Official data indicates that this reduction in poverty aligns with the observed economic growth, as the monthly economic activity index (IMAE) rose by 4.1% during the same period. The Ministry also cited an increase in minimum wages as a contributing factor to the improved poverty figures.

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is consistent with the dynamic of economic growth observed in the same period

This economic progress and poverty reduction are occurring despite global economic uncertainties stemming from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. These tensions have driven up transportation costs and oil prices, impacting the global economy and dampening worldwide growth expectations. The Dominican Central Bank has warned that the country's energy bill for the year is expected to reach approximately $5.4 billion, about $900 million more than initially projected, due to rising oil costs linked to the conflict in Iran. This has contributed to a year-on-year inflation rate of 5.11% in April, exceeding the central bank's target range.

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has impacted global oil supply, which has translated into an increase in inflation and the energy bill of the Dominican Republic