Biviana Riveiro Disla, executive director of the Dominican Republic Export and Investment Center (ProDominicana), reports that Dominican exports reached a new record in 2021. Exports increased to US$11.83 billion, representing a year-on-year growth of 20% and 17% compared to 2020 and 2019 respectively, according to data from the preliminary customs records of the Customs Agency (DGA).
In a press release, Pro Dominicana reveals that cigar exports lead the growth with exports up 32.96%, an additional US$259.6 million. Likewise, jewelry articles increased US$221.3 million, electro-diagnostic devices were up US$175.4 million, and T-shirts increased US$114.9 million. Bananas were up US$218.1 million, rum US$111.9 and sugar cane US$106.1 million.
Exports to North America were up US$751 million, or 14.32%. Likewise, exports to Asia stand out with total exports of US$1.32 billion for 2021, showing a year-on-year growth of 100.1% compared to 2020. 56% of these exports were destined to South Asia, specifically India, with gold being the main exported product with 95%. Exports to Central America and the Caribbean grew 33.4%, North America 14.3% and South America 22.9%”.
Most Dominican exports were shipped to the United States. Exports to the US were up US$1.12 billion, compared to 2020. There were significant increased in avocado, fresh tomatoes, mangos, chili peppers and peppers and cucumber farm exports.
ProDominicana says free zone exports were up 22.7% compared to 2020. Non-free zone expors were up 15.8% compared to 2020.
Riveiro attributed the increase in exports to actions taken by the Abinader government together with the private sector to boost the economic growth.
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Pro Dominicana
17 January 2022