The Dominican Republic’s imports from China have seen a significant jump in the first half of 2025, reaching US$2.59 billion. This marks a substantial 10.8% increase compared to the same period in 2024, when imports from the Asian giant totaled US$2.34 billion, as reported in El Nacional.
The surge of US$254.6 million positions China as the fastest-growing source of goods for the Dominican Republic, both in absolute and relative terms, among its primary trading partners. This growth solidifies China’s role as the Dominican Republic’s second-largest import partner, trailing only the United States and expanding its crucial influence on the nation’s productive and consumer sectors.
Long-established large stores in the Dominican Republic have repeatedly complained that the Chinese competitors have been allowed to take advantage of loopholes for importing goods paying low taxes. Likewise, in recent months, the government has cracked down on Chinese businesses for major labor and tax law violations.
While China’s growth has been robust, other major import markets for the Dominican Republic have shown a more mixed performance:
• United States: The Dominican Republic’s top trading partner, the United States, saw its imports reach US$5.87 billion in the first half of this year. However, this represents a modest 1.7% year-on-year increase, or US$99.7 million more than in the same period of 2024. Despite its considerably slower growth rate compared to China, the United States remains the largest source of imports for the Dominican Republic in absolute terms.
• Spain: Traditionally a strong European partner, Spain experienced a decline in imports. Dominican purchases from Spain totaled US$594.4 million, a 1.3% drop equivalent to a US$8.1 million decrease from the first half of 2024.
• Mexico: Imports from Mexico also showed a contraction, falling by 0.9% to US$545.3 million. This translates to a US$5.3 million reduction during the observed periods.
• Italy: Italy held its position as the fifth-largest source of Dominican imports, with a total of US$421.0 million. This figure reflects a negligible 0.01% decrease year-on-year.
In total, the Dominican Republic’s imports reached US$14.81 billion during the first half of 2025, an overall increase of just 0.9% (US$145.8 million) compared to the same period in 2024. This indicates a general slowdown in foreign trade.
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El Nacional
23 July 2025