Dominican Republic initiates trade dialogue with the U.S. regarding tariff adjustments
The Government of the Dominican Republic has formalized the start of strategic talks with the United States focused on the bilateral tariff agenda. This approach was led by the Minister of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs, Víctor -Ito- Bisonó, who held a key meeting with the Deputy United States Trade Representative (Deputy USTR), Jeffrey Goettman, with the aim of addressing issues of mutual interest and defining the roadmap for this dialogue.
This series of meetings follows the United States’ decision, made last July, to impose new tariffs of between 10% and 12.5% on 66 nations. The U.S. measure is in response to policies related to preventing the entry of products made under forced labor conditions into its domestic market.
Commitment to economic strengthening
President Luis Abinader has recently reiterated his administration’s commitment to reaching a reciprocal tariff agreement in the short term. The central purpose is to safeguard favorable conditions for Dominican exports and ensure the continuity of foreign investment flow into the country.
The Dominican Republic will continue to participate in this dialogue with a comprehensive vision of the bilateral relationship, seeking to strengthen the competitiveness of its productive sectors, expand commercial opportunities, and continue consolidating a strategic economic relationship for both nations.
Dominican Ministry of Foreign AffairsA solid business relationship
For the Dominican authorities, these contacts are based on a historic bilateral relationship, marked by mutual trust and deep economic interests. The figures support the importance of these negotiations:
- In 2025, the value of Dominican exports exceeded 14.645 billion dollars.
- 48.6% of said exports have the United States as their main destination.
- Foreign direct investment from the U.S. reached 1.042 billion dollars during the last year.
As part of this intensive diplomatic agenda, the Dominican Foreign Minister has held meetings with key figures from the U.S. administration and Congress, including the National Security Council’s Senior Director for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Patrick Nelson, as well as various Republican lawmakers, thereby consolidating the country’s efforts to maintain a strategic position in international trade.
