# Dominican Republic export and investment trends

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/dominican-republic-export-and-investment-trends
> Updated: 2026-08-16T15:02:59.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2.

The Dominican Republic has demonstrated significant activity in its export and investment sectors during the first half of 2026.

ProDominicana reported generating approximately USD 3.67 million in business intentions following participation in international trade fairs in July, including the Trade & Investment Convention in Trinidad and Tobago and Cosmoprof Las Vegas in the United States. These efforts focused on sectors such as beauty and personal care.

Simultaneously, the tobacco, cigar, and cigarette sector saw substantial growth. According to the Dominican Republic Tobacco Institute (INTABACO), exports reached over $802 million in the first half of 2026, representing an 86% increase compared to the start of the year. Monthly export values rose from $79.72 million in January to $148.8 million in June. The United States remains the primary market, accounting for 78.5% of the total export value, totaling approximately $629.5 million.

Data indicates that 99.5% of these tobacco exports are produced within industrial and special free zones, while the remaining 0.5% originates from local industry companies. INTABACO director Iván Hernández Guzmán attributed this growth to collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors, citing improved promotion, training, credit facilities, legal security, and technological investment.

## Claims

- Tobacco, cigar, and cigarette exports generated over $802 million between January and June 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Monthly exports rose from $79.72 million in January to $148.8 million in June 2026, an 86% increase. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The United States is the primary export destination, accounting for 78.5% of the value ($629.5 million). (corroborated by 3 sources)
- 99.5% of exported tobacco is produced in Industrial and Special Free Zones, totaling $798.3 million. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Tobacco exports generated $1,359 million in 2025. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-16: Dominican Republic tobacco exports rise 86% in first half of 2026

Dominican Republic tobacco exports rose 86% in the first half of 2026, generating over $802 million, with the United States serving as the primary market for 78.5% of the value.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-tobacco-exports-rise-86-in-first-half-of-2026

### 2026-08-10: ProDominicana generates USD 3.7 million in business intentions

ProDominicana facilitated nearly USD 3.7 million in business intentions through participation in major trade fairs in Trinidad and Tobago and the United States.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/prodominicana-generates-usd-37-million-in-business-intentions

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Cite as: Dominican Republic export and investment trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/dominican-republic-export-and-investment-trends
