Coffee producers report that imports are affecting local production

The National Network of Coffee Producers and Entrepreneurs reported that between 60% and 70% of the coffee consumed in the country is imported, even though the Dominican Republic is a producer of that product.

They highlighted that Dominican coffee has improved its price-quality ratio to historic levels, but that high levels of product importation harm those who produce it.

They explained that in 2023 alone, this situation caused a capital flight of 54.6 million dollars, directly affecting the local producer.

Dominican coffee growers assert that the country has the capacity to produce up to 90% of the coffee demanded by the national market, if coffee farming is declared a true national goal.

“Supporting Dominican coffee is defending the economy, the countryside, the water, and the country’s rural future,” the coffee growers said while calling the Government’s attention to the issue.

The main coffee suppliers to the Dominican Republic are Brazil, Vietnam, Honduras, El Salvador, the United States, and Switzerland. Imports from Brazil are mostly both non-roasted and non-decaffeinated coffee, as well as roasted coffee.

Currently, the Dominican Republic has 193 companies exporting coffee and coffee substitutes, so their production and commercialization play an important role in the local business sector.