Dominican exporters have been prompt to fill in demand for eggs from English, French-speaking and Dutch-speaking Caribbean islands that previously imported these in bulk from Miami, Florida. Now that the United States is impacted by avian flu and is undergoing major problems with egg production, the Dominican Republic has stepped in.
A recent report published in El Nacional also reports that egg exports to Cuba have also been increasing. A spokesperson for the Dominican Poultry Association (ADA) said in the past month, egg exports to Cuba surpassed 30 million units, a value exceeding US$20 million. This significant growth underscores the nation’s rising prominence in the regional market, a result of collaborative efforts between producers, the government, and commercial supply chains.
Miguel A. Lajara, a member of the ADA, revealed these figures during the “Advances in the Dominican Republic’s Poultry Sector” meeting at the 2025 Agricultural Fair. He highlighted that this trade activity has enabled the country to access important international markets, including those in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.
Lajara also reported that the Dominican Republic has positioned itself as a leading poultry producer in Latin America, with 2.5 million breeding hens as of late 2024, up from 1.85 million in 2019. This expansion is projected to boost chicken production by 26% in 2025.
“The Dominican Republic stands out in Latin America for its production capacity, with over 25 hatcheries and more than 700,000 chickens entering the market daily,” Lajara stated. “Our poultry industry not only meets domestic demand but has also established itself as a major exporter, with a focus on high-quality hens for international markets.”
He noted that these figures place the country ahead of many regional peers, with 1.5 hens per capita.
Lajara also addressed the impact of avian flu in the United States, which has created opportunities for Dominican producers. He pointed out that the US egg market is facing challenges from contraband from Mexico, emphasizing the importance of strengthening Dominican poultry exports.
A key theme of Lajara’s presentation was the emphasis on collaboration within the poultry sector. He stressed the importance of a tripartite platform involving the government, producers, and consumers to ensure sustainable growth.
“Cooperation with major supermarket chains has also played a crucial role in supporting domestic production and creating commercial egg brands, further driving the sector’s growth,” he added.
Looking ahead, Lajara expressed optimism about the industry’s potential, attributing the growth in breeding hen production to market stability and export opportunities.
“The Dominican government’s initiative to support egg exports to markets like Cuba during times of crisis exemplifies how resilience and collaboration can yield positive results,” he concluded.
Lajara acknowledged the contributions of producers and commercial partners, emphasizing that mutual cooperation and innovation are essential for the sector’s future success.
The event, which showcased the poultry industry’s achievements and challenges, underscored the importance of unity and cooperation for continued growth.
The meeting was attended by key figures including the Administrative Minister of the Presidency, Andrés Bautista; Minister of Agriculture, Limber Cruz; and other prominent officials and industry leaders.
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El Nacional
26 March 2025