The Dominican Association of Exporters (Adoexpo) and the National Council of Private Companies (Conep) have warned that the Dominican Republic’s exports to the United States could face new challenges after President Donald Trump announced a revised tariff program affecting imports from 60 countries, including the Dominican Republic.
Under the new policy, Dominican products covered by the measure will be subject to a 12.5% tariff, replacing the temporary 10% global surcharge that had been in effect since February and expired on Friday. The change represents a 2.5 percentage-point increase for affected goods entering the US market.
Exporters See Risks for Competitiveness
Roselyn Amaro Bergés, executive vice president of Adoexpo, said that while the increase may appear limited, it could have a significant impact on exporters operating with narrow profit margins, long-term supply contracts, or products that compete directly with goods from countries such as Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, whose exports would face a 10% tariff under the new scheme.
She explained that the full impact will depend on a detailed review of the tariff annexes and product classifications issued by US authorities. According to Adoexpo, several categories—including certain textiles, food products, fertilizers, and other specified goods—have been excluded from the new measures.
Several Export Sectors Could Be Affected
Based on the preliminary information available, Adoexpo identified agro-industrial and agricultural products not included among the exemptions as some of the most exposed sectors. The organization also pointed to plastic products, iron and steel goods, metal structures and components, and other manufactured products that currently benefit from preferential access under the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA).
The association stressed, however, that the consequences will vary by product. Factors such as existing tariff levels, market share in the United States, contractual arrangements, and each company’s ability to absorb or transfer the additional cost will determine the overall impact.
Concerns Over Future Purchase Orders
Adoexpo acknowledged the possibility that US buyers could shift purchase orders toward countries facing lower tariff rates or benefiting from exemptions. In price-sensitive industries, even the 2.5 percentage-point difference could influence sourcing decisions, prompting importers to seek price reductions, share the cost of the tariff with suppliers, or reconsider future contracts.
Despite these concerns, the organization noted that the Dominican Republic continues to enjoy important competitive advantages, including its geographic proximity to the United States, shorter delivery times, reliable manufacturing capacity, resilient supply chains, and the long-standing commercial framework established through DR-CAFTA.
Business Leaders Call for Dialogue
Celso Juan Marranzini, president of Conep, warned that if the tariff structure remains in place over the medium and long term while competitors such as Mexico retain more favorable access to the US market, Dominican exports could lose competitiveness and the country’s efforts to attract nearshoring investment could be affected.
Marranzini said it is essential for Dominican authorities to maintain dialogue with US officials in an effort to secure the lowest possible tariff treatment for the country while providing immediate support to exporters that may be affected by the new trade measures.