The United States continues to be the Dominican Republic’s largest trading partner. In 2007 highly touted DR-CAFTA came into effect, but it hasn't had the affects economists thought it would have. Other trade agreements, such as the EPA with Europe were also expected to have definitive effects on the Dominican economy, but thus far, these agreements have registered as blips on the economy.

Eddy Martinez, director of the DR Center for Exports and Investment (CEI-RD) said at the time that this foreign direct investment was expected to increase in 2008 due to the DR's new agreement with the European Union. He added that this placed the DR in a unique position, as the country now has access to both the US and European markets.

According to Martinez, the strength of the euro and US dollar compared to the peso is still attractive to investors. He added that these investments would help maintain the DR's economic stability.

But in 2009, the international financial crisis struck the world economy, and had major impacts on trade between both nations.

Trade with Canada was expected to increase with the signing of an FTA, but that agreement hasn't been a priority for the DR or Canadian sides.

Furthermore, Mexico has become a major investor in the DR, with large investments such as Codetel Claro telecom company and Cemex, plus several tourism ventures paving the way for more Mexican businessmen to focus on the DR. But no concrete agreement had been agreed upon, as of 2009.

Updated 21 July 2009