Exports from free zones in the DR have gained more weight within the total amount of the country’s exports, reaching 66.6% in 2024, compared to 57.4% in 2013, according to the Regional Center for Sustainable Economic Strategies (CREES).
In 2019 ZFs accounted for 59.5%, in 2020 59.2%, in 2021 61.3%, in 2022 62.7% and in 2023 67.5%.
Crees states that the growth of free zones mirrors a more favorable regulatory environment for investment and production, unlike the national export sector, which faces greater restrictions and costs associated with bureaucracy, taxes and regulations.
It points out that since the closure of the border with Haiti in 2023 and the continued deterioration of that country’s economy, exports from free zones have further increased their share of total exports, not only due to their dynamism, but also due to the fall in national exports.
“The interruption of trade with Haiti, the country’s second largest trading partner, evidenced the high dependence on that market for national exports . Meanwhile, the free zones maintained their growth and expanded their share.
National exports have diminished within the total exports, dropping from 36.8% in 2013 to just 30.9% in 2024. In addition, national exports continue to be concentrated in precious minerals
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