Dominican Republic Agriculture Minister claims no rice imports needed since 2026

Dominican Republic Agriculture Minister Francisco Oliverio Espaillat Bencosme stated that since assuming office in January 2026, the government has not needed to authorize rice imports to meet domestic demand. He attributed this to strong national production and a current inventory of approximately 7.2 million quintals.

Espaillat clarified that recent shipments from the United States were part of pre-established preferential quotas rather than emergency imports. He also urged producers to remain calm regarding the DR-CAFTA trade agreement, expressing confidence in the administration's diplomatic efforts to protect local production.

However, Carlos Segura Foster of the PLD party challenged these claims, arguing that national production only meets about 70 percent of demand, with imports accounting for the remaining 30 percent. Foster noted that export volumes have decreased and producers face difficulties accessing timely financing.