Of the US$47.3 billion in foreign currency inflows recorded by the Dominican Republic in 2025, at least US$24.37 billion originated from the United States, representing 51.5% of the country’s total foreign exchange generation.
The strong influence of the United States on the Dominican economy is evident across multiple sectors. It is therefore no coincidence that the country remains the Dominican Republic’s principal trading partner.
In key pillars of the Dominican economy—including exports (particularly from free trade zones), tourism, foreign direct investment (FDI), and remittances—the United States stands as the largest contributor, both directly and indirectly.
Official figures from the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic and the Center for Export and Investment of the Dominican Republic (ProDominicana) confirm that in 2025 the United States generated at least 51.5% of the foreign currency inflows received by the country.
According to the Central Bank, the Dominican Republic received US$47.3 billion in foreign currency inflows in 2025, distributed as follows:
- US$15.93 billion from exports
- US$11.87 billion from remittances
- US$11.32 billion from tourism
- US$5.04 billion from foreign direct investment
- US$3.15 billion from other service exports
Based on official data and analysis, at least US$24.37 billion of these inflows originated from the United States.
Breakdown by Sector
Exports
Using the Central Bank’s total export figures and data from ProDominicana—which indicates that 48.6% of Dominican exports are destined for the United States—approximately US$7.74 billion in export revenue can be attributed to the U.S. market. Notably, nearly 90% of this amount corresponds to free trade zone exports.
Foreign Direct Investment
The Central Bank reported that the Dominican Republic attracted US$5.03 billion in FDI in 2025. By September, 23.4% of that investment originated from the United States. Applying that proportion to the full year suggests that approximately US$1.18 billion in FDI came from U.S. investors.
Remittances
Remittances remain one of the most significant sources of foreign exchange. In 2025, Dominicans residing in the United States sent US$9.66 billion in remittances, representing 81.4% of total remittance inflows and 6.6% growth compared to 2024.
Tourism
Tourism also represents a major contribution. Of the 8.86 million tourists (foreign and non-resident Dominicans) who visited the Dominican Republic in 2025, 36.8% were residents of the United States, totaling 3.27 million visitors.
Applying that same proportion to the US$11.32 billion generated by the tourism sector suggests that approximately US$4.17 billion in tourism-related foreign exchange originated from U.S. visitors.
Other Service Exports
The Central Bank estimated US$3.15 billion in foreign currency inflows from other service exports. While the exact share attributable to the United States is not specified, applying the overall 51.5% proportion suggests a similar contribution from the U.S. market.
Potentially Higher Contribution
The actual contribution of the United States to Dominican foreign currency inflows may be even higher, as several indirect elements are not fully captured in the calculations. These include:
- Cruise passengers from the United States visiting Dominican ports
- Dominicans residing in the United States who travel to the country and are counted within tourism statistics
- Exports to third countries that incorporate raw materials sourced from the United States
If these additional indirect factors were incorporated, the overall share of foreign currency generated through U.S.-linked economic activity could exceed the estimated 51.5%.
Free Trade Zone Exports
In 2025, Dominican exports to the United States totaled US$7.12 billion, according to ProDominicana, representing 48.6% of the country’s total exports.
Of that amount, 88.7% corresponded to free trade zone exports, while approximately 11.3% represented national exports, equivalent to about US$805 million.
Overall, the Dominican Republic exported US$8.60 billion in free trade zone products in 2025, of which 73.4% were destined for the United States, with the remaining 26.6% exported to other markets.
These figures highlight the critical role of the United States not only in the Dominican Republic’s overall exports but also specifically in the performance of the country’s free trade zone sector, which remains a key engine of employment, manufacturing, and economic growth.
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