The Dominican Republic is rapidly consolidating its position as the regional leader in the manufacturing of medical devices, and electrical and electronic products, attracting major global corporations, President Luis Abinader highlighted during his presentation to the nation on 17 November 2025.
Speaking during his weekly press engagement, “LA Semanal con la Prensa,” the head of state emphasized that the country’s strategic location near consumer markets, coupled with political, social, and macroeconomic stability, and a robust legal and fiscal incentive framework, are key drivers of this growth.
The medical device industry has become the country’s primary export sector. President Abinader noted that 42 companies are currently operating in national free trade zones dedicated to this field.
Export value: In 2024, medical equipment exports reached US$2.8 billion.
Export share: This figure represents 33.4% of free zone exports and 22.2% of total national exports.
Investment: Accumulated investment in the sector stands at US$1,940.4 million through 2024, accounting for 25.1% of all registered free zone investments.
Critically, seven of the world’s top ten medical device manufacturers, including Medtronic, Cardinal Health, Baxter, Becton Dickinson, Fresenius Medical Care, B. Braun, and Medline, have established operations in the Dominican Republic.
As of October 2025, these firms provide 33,525 direct jobs, with women filling 53.6% of these roles, and approximately 83,637 indirect jobs.
Products manufactured in the country range from transfusion products and blood pressure monitors to surgical disposables, surgical sutures, neurosurgical valves, and biopsy needles. The United States is the dominant destination, receiving 72.2% of these exports.
This strength places the Dominican Republic as the third-largest exporter in the Caribbean and Central America to the United States, trailing only Mexico and Costa Rica.
Electrical and electronic equipment sees surge
Likewise, the electrical and electronic sector holds the third position in national exports, with 29 companies operating in manufacturing. The exports for this category totaled US$1.16 billion in 2024 for 14% of free zone exports and 9% of national exports.
These companies have generated 10,416 direct jobs and 25,792 indirect jobs in 2025.
Key exports include switches, smartphones, electronic door locks, and electrical connectors. The U.S. is the main buyer, accounting for 87% of these exports. Abinader pointed out that the nation is now the second-largest exporter of electrical switches in the Caribbean and Central America, surpassed only by Mexico, and ahead of economies like Costa Rica, Colombia, and Chile.
Tapping into the semiconductor market
President Abinader also highlighted the potential for growth in the semiconductor industry. A report by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MICM) and the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation (ITIF) identified the Dominican Republic as a prime candidate for attracting investment in Assembly, Test, and Packaging (ATP) plants, aligning with the National Strategy to Promote the Semiconductor Industry (ENFIS). Further bolstering these achievements are the country’s competitive and qualified workforce, superior logistical infrastructure and connectivity, and a favorable business climate with robust institutions.
Read more in Spanish:
Presidency
La Semanal 17 November 2025
18 November 2025