- Changing the export model will require the right reforms
According to the General Directorate of Customs (DGA), from January to July 2025, national exports reached $3,003.6 million, a 33% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Among these, metal goods accounted for 46.32%, highlighted by gold, which contributed 39.74% of the national total with $1,193.76 million.
76.75% of national exports were concentrated in raw materials, compared to 20.39% in consumer goods and only 2.86% in capital goods.
Cocoa and its preparations experienced a 48.45% year-on-year growth, increasing from $169.55 million to $251.69 million, with an 8.38% share of the total; the second highest after gold.
However, reliance on these goods poses risks. According to the cocoa futures contract (US Cocoa), as of August 25, 2025, the price per ton was $8,024, which represents a mere 0.2% year-over-year increase and a 28.5% decrease since January this year.
The national exports of the Dominican Republic suffer from high concentration in products based on raw materials; that is, low value-added products whose prices can be volatile. Changing the export model will require the right structural reforms.
Exporting raw materials is not inherently bad, but a high dependence on this type of exports limits economic growth in the long term and exposes the country to international market volatility.
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