Customs revenues were up by 36% in April compared to April 2004. According to the Customs Department, in April 2005 collections totaled RD$4.67 billion, while in April 2004, the figure was RD$3.43 billion, a RD$1.2 billion increase, as reported in Diario Libre.
The Customs Department says that the increase is extraordinary when taking into account the considerable appreciation of the peso. Taxes were calculated at a rate of RD$44 to US$1 in 2004, compared to the lower rate of RD$28 to US$1 at present.