The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (BCRD) reports that remittance inflows reached a cumulative total of US$4.08 billion between January and April 2026, marking a 4.1% increase compared to the same period last year. For the month of April alone, the country received US$1.06 billion, which represents an increase of US$105.7 million over April 2025. This reflects a year-on-year growth of 11.1% for the month, a significant acceleration from the 3.5% growth observed in March 2026.
The Central Bank emphasizes that this growth occurred despite a complex international environment. Persistent conflicts in the Middle East have driven up prices for oil and its derivatives, fueling inflationary pressures and reducing household disposable income abroad.
US labor market and diaspora contributions
The bank attributes this rebound largely to the Dominican diaspora in the United States, which accounted for 82.5% of formal flows in April, totaling US$797.3 million. To provide context on the economic drivers of these flows, the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) reported a non-manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) of 53.6 for April. This indicates continued expansion in the US service sector, where a significant portion of the Dominican diaspora is employed. While the overall US unemployment rate held steady at 4.3% in April 2026, matching the March level, job creation slowed, with only 115,000 new positions added.
Second to the United States, Spain’s Dominican population contributed US$59.5 million in remittances (6.2%). Italy was third with 1.2%, followed by Switzerland and Haiti with 1.1%.
Regarding domestic distribution, the National District (Santo Domingo) received 50.9% of April’s flows, followed by Santiago (10.0%) and Santo Domingo province (6.8%). Collectively, the country’s metropolitan areas accounted for more than two-thirds (67.7%) of all remittances.
Impact on exchange stability and reserves
These foreign currency inflows have supported the relative stability of the exchange rate. As of 30 April 2026, the Dominican peso appreciated 5.3% against the US dollar compared to December 2025. Furthermore, these flows have maintained international reserves at US$15.89 billion. This represents 11.8% of GDP and covers 5.8 months of imports, figures that remain above the thresholds recommended by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
2026 external sector outlook
The BCRD projects a positive trend for the remainder of 2026, estimating total foreign currency inflows will exceed US$48.9 billion. Key projections include:
• Remittances: Over US$12.2 billion.
• Tourism revenues: Over US$11.5 billion.
• Total exports: US$16.9 billion.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Over US$5.0 billion.
• Other service exports: Approximately US$3.0 billion.
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Central Bank
12 May 2026