Government highlights economic strength of the Dominican Republic in 2025

Santo Domingo.– The Dominican government affirmed that the main economic results of 2025 consolidated the Dominican Republic as one of the most productive and reliable economies in the region, driven by the sustained growth of exports, a historic performance of free zones, the expansion of formal employment and record levels of foreign direct investment.

According to official data, Dominican exports reached US$13,063.6 million between January and November 2025, representing a year-on-year growth of 10 %. Likewise, November became the best exporting month of the last 13 years, with US$1,121.9 million.

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The free trade zone regime led export performance, concentrating 61% of the total exported, followed by the national regime with 37%. Among the main exported products are raw gold, electrical circuit breakers, cigars and cigarillos, medical instruments for measuring blood pressure, and cotton t-shirts.

National industry maintains dynamism

During 2025, the national industry showed sustained growth in both the domestic and foreign markets. Between January and October, accumulated domestic sales grew 10.9% year-on-year, increasing from RD$951,067 million to RD$1.05 billion, reflecting a continuous expansion of productive and commercial activity.

Regarding industrial exports, these reached US$1,855.3 million between January and November, for a year-on-year growth of 19.8 %. The main exported items were iron and steel, cement, and plastics, demonstrating the Dominican industry’s ability to add value and position itself in international markets.

Free Trade Zones and Formal Employment

One of the most relevant milestones of the year was that the free zone regime surpassed 200,000 jobs for the first time, reaching 200,134 workers, the highest level recorded in its history.

Overall, during 2025, 119,965 new jobs were generated in the Dominican economy. Of that total, 56,873 jobs (47.4%) corresponded to sectors under the direct influence of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Mipymes (MICM), such as commerce, industry and services.

Foreign investment and the fight against illicit trade

Foreign direct investment (FDI) reached US$4,050.6 million as of September 2025, the highest amount recorded in the last three decades. Official projections estimate that it could exceed US$4,800 million by the end of the year. In terms of control and legality, the Government highlighted that the country has accumulated five consecutive years without deaths from adulterated alcohol. In addition, during 2025, through the CECCOM, 93.1 million units of illicit goods were seized. These efforts were reflected in the TRACIT Index 2025, where the Dominican Republic holds the 50th position out of 158 countries, ranking among the economies least vulnerable to illicit trade.

Institutional Strengthening

The MICM reported that it closed 2025 with the Great Place to Work certification and maintaining five ISO standards, consolidating itself —according to the Government— as a regional benchmark in efficient public management and institutional quality.