Central Romana faces forced labor allegations in Dominican Republic

forced labor Central Romana Corporation sugarcane industry import ban human rights

A report by the nonprofit Corporate Accountability Lab alleges that forced labor persists on large sugarcane plantations in the Dominican Republic owned by Central Romana Corporation, Ltd. The investigation, spanning over three years, claims workers face abusive conditions, including wage withholding and isolation.

Following the report, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden has called for information from U.S. Customs and Border Protection regarding the 2022 import ban on Central Romana products, which was reversed during the Trump administration. Wyden expressed concern that political connections may have influenced the reversal of trade enforcement procedures.

In response, former Dominican Labor Minister Francisco Domínguez Brito stated that forced labor is not a general characteristic of the Dominican sugar industry, though he acknowledged the need to investigate specific labor complaints. Meanwhile, the Dominican sugar industry faces calls for increased transparency and independent audits to protect its international reputation.

Entities

Central Romana Corporation, Ltd. · Corporate Accountability Lab · Dominican Republic · Fanjul Corp. · Ron Wyden · U.S. Customs and Border Protection · United States

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 7 SOURCES] U.S. Customs and Border Protection previously accused Central Romana of isolating workers, withholding wages, and fostering abusive conditions. mymotherlode.com · porelojodelacerradura.com.do · srnnews.com · triblive.com · www.winnipegfreepress.com · +1 more
[● 6 SOURCES] The investigation focused on plantations owned by Central Romana Corporation, Ltd. mymotherlode.com · porelojodelacerradura.com.do · srnnews.com · triblive.com · www.winnipegfreepress.com
[● 7 SOURCES] The U.S. imposed an import ban on Central Romana products in 2022, which was reversed the following year. mymotherlode.com · porelojodelacerradura.com.do · srnnews.com · triblive.com · www.winnipegfreepress.com · +1 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] U.S. Senator Ron Wyden requested information regarding the reversal of the import ban. kstp.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Former Labor Minister Francisco Domínguez Brito denied that forced labor is a general practice in the Dominican sugar industry. eldia.com.do
[● 6 SOURCES] The nonprofit Corporate Accountability Lab reported that forced labor persists on sugarcane plantations in the Dominican Republic. mymotherlode.com · porelojodelacerradura.com.do · srnnews.com · triblive.com · www.winnipegfreepress.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Central Romana produced 25,845 metric tons of furfural during the 2024-2025 harvest. elveedordigital.com · www.diariolibre.com
[● 6 SOURCES] Local groups estimate that up to 8,000 workers are employed in the company’s sugarcane fields. mymotherlode.com · porelojodelacerradura.com.do · srnnews.com · triblive.com · www.winnipegfreepress.com