The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (BCRD) reports that the national economy expanded by 4.1% during the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. This growth was significantly bolstered by the free zone manufacturing sector, which posted a notable 7.8% increase in March alone.
According to official data, overall economic activity grew by 5.1% year-on-year in March, driven by the real value-added performance of several productive sectors. Free zone manufacturing emerged as a primary catalyst for this momentum, hitting a historic monthly export ceiling of US$841.2 million, an 8% year-on-year rise for the month.
Service exports and employment
Johannes Kelner, executive director of the National Council of Free Zones (CNZFE), emphasized that the sector’s impact extends beyond traditional manufacturing. Kelner noted that service-exporting firms within the free zone regime generate approximately 38,000 jobs and more than US$1 billion in exports.
“The impact of the regime could reach approximately 10% [of the economy],” Kelner stated. “We are currently in discussions with the Central Bank to support a measurement framework that more comprehensively incorporates these export services.”
Investment and strategic value
The BCRD report further highlights the continued confidence of international markets in the Dominican Republic. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) reached US$1,536.7 million in the first quarter of 2026. Of this total, the free zone sector captured 7.6%, representing an inflow of US$117 million.
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Presidency
12 May 2026