Dominican rice producers protest against import tariff removal

The Frente Amplio and the Bloque Popular Jesús Adón organized a protest march in Nagua, Dominican Republic, to defend national rice producers. The mobilization follows the government's decision to repeal Decree 693-24 via Decree 635-26, which had established tariffs on rice imports.

Protesters and agricultural leaders argue that removing these protections leaves over 30,000 rice farmers, millers, and transporters vulnerable to competition from the United States. They contend that U.S. producers benefit from significant government subsidies, making it difficult for local farmers to compete despite facing high costs for fertilizer, fuel, and machinery.

Santos Paulino, president of the Asociación de Parceleros de la Reforma Agraria, noted that many rice-growing regions, such as the lower Yuna River basin, are not suitable for alternative crops. He warned that a collapse in rice production could trigger a chain reaction affecting other agricultural sectors and rural employment.