Forced-Labor Trade Pressure: The U.S. Trade Representative proposed Section 301 tariffs on imports from 60 economies over alleged failure to enforce forced-labor import bans, explicitly listing the Dominican Republic among the countries flagged—tariffs are proposed at 10% to 12.5% with a July 7 hearing. Agriculture Modernization: TNR and Confenagro signed a collaboration deal to train producers and push new irrigation technologies, focusing on more efficient water use and sustainable, higher productivity farming. Prison Mental Health Upgrade: President Abinader swore in a committee to strengthen mental health care in prisons, including new specialized beds, psychosocial centers, and plans for mental-health-focused facilities in Azua, La Vega, and San Pedro de Macorís. Cocoa for Europe: The Dominican Republic promoted premium cocoa at a Brussels forum, spotlighting progress on the “Dominican Cocoa” Geographical Indication seal to boost quality, sustainability, and market value. Logistics Expansion: DP World and the Dominican government committed an additional US$100M to expand Caucedo Free Trade Zone warehousing and logistics capacity, building on a US$760M port-and-zone expansion. Tourism & Infrastructure: APORDOM reported cruise growth (to 2.7M passengers in 2025) and expects 32 ship calls in June; Abinader also inaugurated a new 13.5-kilometer highway in Barahona to cut travel times and support local producers. Baseball Stadium Plan: A Dominican commission recommended a new MLB-standard stadium in Santo Domingo’s Ensanche La Fe, proposing a public land contribution with private financing via a mixed corporation.