The Dominican Republic resumed egg exports to Cuba on Wednesday after shipments had been suspended due to logistical challenges affecting maritime transportation to the island. The reopening of the trade route is expected to provide a significant boost to the country’s poultry industry.
Miguel Lajara, a member of the Dominican Poultry Association (ADA), said the first shipment included 12 containers carrying 3,900,960 eggs. The export operation involved producers Agrokilda, Granja Wilse, Huevos Perla, and Agropecuaria SSK.
Exports Expected Twice Each Month
Lajara said the reopening of the Cuban market represents important relief for Dominican egg producers. Under the new export schedule, shipments are expected to depart twice each month, allowing more than 13 million eggs to be exported to Cuba during this phase of the program.
Before the suspension, the Dominican Republic exported approximately 60 million eggs per month to Cuba, making the island one of the country’s most important foreign markets for the product.
Government Support Reduces Shipping Costs
According to Lajara, exports resumed after the Dominican government approved an operational regulation establishing a maritime transportation subsidy designed to offset higher shipping costs.
The program includes a RD$25 million fund administered by the Dominican Poultry Association in coordination with the National Association of Egg Producers (Asonaprop). The initiative provides a subsidy of US$4,500 per exported container, with support available for up to 20 containers per week until the allocated resources are exhausted.
The mechanism gives priority to traditional exporters while also allowing other producers to participate when capacity is available, with the goal of promoting transparency and expanding commercial opportunities across the poultry sector.
Dominican Eggs Maintain Strong Reputation
Lajara noted that Dominican eggs continue to enjoy a strong reputation in the Cuban market because of their quality and freshness. The short shipping distance between the two countries allows products to arrive quickly without requiring refrigeration during transport, helping preserve their natural characteristics.
He added that restoring exports will strengthen the stability of the poultry industry, protect thousands of jobs, and support continued growth in national egg production.