U.S. Food Exports to DR: Key Opportunities for Growth in Agriculture

A comprehensive March 2025 report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirms a strong and accelerating partnership between the United States and the Dominican Republic (DR) in agricultural trade. The report, prepared by USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) in Santo Domingo, highlights the Dominican Republic as the largest economy in the Caribbean, a rising hub for food processing and distribution, and a key destination for U.S. protein exports.

For companies like Doven Foods, which specialize in delivering U.S. proteins and packaged goods to Latin America and the Caribbean, the findings reinforce what the market is already showing—the Dominican Republic is thriving.

Economic Momentum and Trade Expansion

The Dominican Republic has long been an important player in regional trade, but the data now confirms it is entering a new era of opportunity. According to the USDA:

The DR imported $2.2 billion in U.S. agricultural products in 2024, a 6% increase over the previous year.
Since the implementation of CAFTA-DR in 2007, U.S. ag exports to the DR have doubled—from $1 billion to $2 billion.
As of January 1, 2025, all tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods have officially been eliminated, strengthening the competitive advantage of American exporters.

This shift represents a significant strategic opportunity not just for large U.S. suppliers, but for Dominican distributors, importers, and food service operators seeking to offer premium products without facing prohibitive costs.

A Changing Consumer Landscape in the DR

The DR’s rapid urbanization and the expansion of its middle class are transforming the way Dominicans buy and consume food. According to the report:

84% of the population now lives in urban areas
The DR has transitioned from an agriculture-dependent economy to one focused on tourism, manufacturing, and services
The GDP is projected to grow 5% in 2025, while inflation continues to fall

These macroeconomic shifts are directly influencing the food ecosystem. While traditional outlets like colmados (neighborhood shops) still present, there is surging interest in modern supermarkets, e-commerce platforms, and value-added foodservice offerings.

For U.S. exporters and their distribution partners, this means there is growing demand for quality, variety, and convenience.

Spotlight on Key U.S. Exports to the DR

The USDA’s report provides detailed insights into product categories with the highest growth potential. Among the standouts:

Pork and Pork Products

U.S. pork exports hit $277 million in 2024, up from $92 million in 2020
The U.S. now holds 85% of the pork market share in the DR
Driven by African swine fever’s impact on local production and increased foodservice demand

Dairy Products

Exports reached $135 million, a 47% increase since 2020
U.S. dairy has a 38% cheese market share, second only to the EU
Used heavily in food processing, HRI sector, and high-end retail

Poultry and Poultry Products

Export value hit $128 million, up 57% since 2020
The U.S. supplies 74% of imported poultry, thanks to product consistency and safety standards
Dominicans are shifting toward poultry as prices for pork and beef increase locally

Hospitality and Food Processing: Powering Demand

The DR’s Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional (HRI) sector remains one of the most powerful demand drivers for imported goods. In 2024, the country welcomed over 11 million international tourists, and 53% were U.S. passport holders—creating demand for familiar, high-quality proteins, dairy, and baked goods across resorts, hotels, and restaurants.

Simultaneously, the DR’s food processing industry was valued at $3 billion in 2024, with strong activity in:

Meat processing
Wheat milling
Dairy products
Confectionery

For U.S. suppliers and logistics partners like Doven Foods, these sectors are not just buyers, they are collaborators in building supply chains that support quality, volume, and year-round reliability.

Looking Ahead: A Shared Vision of Growth

With the full implementation of CAFTA-DR, increased investments foodservice, and a population increasingly seeking premium, international products, the Dominican Republic is firmly positioned as a long-term growth market for U.S. exporters.

For Doven Foods, these developments are more than business—they reflect our mission.

We are proud to support Dominican partners with efficient, strategic solutions that deliver cost savings, product consistency, and peace of mind. In a market where reliability, health-conscious options, and transparent sourcing matter more than ever, we remain committed to helping our partners thrive in a fast-changing world.

Sources:

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service – Santo Domingo
International Agricultural Trade Report – Dominican Republic, March 2025
The World Bank
CIA World Factbook
Euromonitor International
S&P Global