AGP Executive Report

US Tariffs & Trade Pressure: The U.S. imposed a 12.5% Section 301 tariff on Dominican exports to the U.S., with Kingtom Aluminio S.R.L. (Chinese-owned aluminum extrusion) flagged as a key driver after a prior forced-labor finding by CBP. Airport Automation for Tourism: Punta Cana International Airport rolled out six automated border-control kiosks for arriving travelers, aiming to speed processing and reduce physical contact at immigration. Education Logistics: Minerd is ramping up the 2026-2027 school year with millions of textbooks/workbooks, INABIE school supply kits, and plans for 1,500 new classrooms by August (plus more by year-end). Agribusiness Risk from El Niño: COE warns commercial agriculture to prepare for losses as El Niño intensifies, citing banana, rice, and cocoa as most vulnerable. Water & Environment: The Environment Ministry highlighted progress protecting the Yaque del Norte River basin through reforestation, soil conservation, and climate-resilient watershed projects. Medical Supply Chain: DP World secured ISO 13485 certification in the Dominican Republic to support compliant logistics for medical device manufacturers. Food Security Milestone: FAO confirmed the DR exited the global hunger map after undernourishment fell below 2.5%, citing coordinated policy and agricultural support. Urban Mobility in Punta Cana: A Verón-Punta Cana planning proposal pushes sustainable transit-oriented development, including a first formal bicycle lane network and a clearer road hierarchy.

Jones Act Energy Shock: The Washington Post urges permanent relaxation of the Jones Act for Puerto Rico, arguing the law forces the island to buy costly propane despite a lack of compliant LPG vessels—an energy-security and cost-pressure story with spillover relevance for regional fuel logistics. Agriculture & Food Security: The Dominican Republic is pushing food-system resilience on multiple fronts: COE warns El Niño could trigger major losses for banana, rice and cocoa, while the country also plans a Latin American food security summit in August and highlights progress protecting the Yaque del Norte River basin. Public Sector Integrity & Digital Transformation: ITLA and DIGEIG announced a joint agenda to strengthen ethics, transparency, and the State’s digital transformation through training and expanded internships. Medical Supply Chain Upgrade: DP World secured ISO 13485 certification in the DR, boosting compliant logistics for medical device manufacturers in the Free Zones. Aviation & Manufacturing Capability: At AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, the DR showcased the first locally built Van’s RV-8 experimental aircraft, signaling growing aircraft assembly capacity. Trade & Export Pressure: New U.S. forced-labor Section 301 tariffs (10%–12.5%) raise concerns that DR exports could lose competitiveness, with exporters calling for careful review of tariff subheadings and exclusions. Economy Watch: The DR’s Monthly Economic Activity Indicator grew 6.4% year-on-year in June, driven by mining, construction and tourism. Sports Tourism Boost: Santo Domingo kicked off the Central American and Caribbean Games with a major opening spectacle, while organizers cite large infrastructure investment. Road Safety Push: Movido warns traffic safety failures stem from weak enforcement of mobility laws and stalled photo-fine and vehicle inspection systems.

LNG Exports: The U.S. Department of Energy authorized Argent LNG to export about 25 million tons per year of LNG for 20 years, with the approved destinations including the Dominican Republic. Economic Pulse: The Dominican Republic’s Monthly Economic Activity Indicator (IMAE) grew 6.4% year-on-year in June, driven by mining, construction, and tourism. Games Boost: Santo Domingo 2026 kicked off with a high-tech opening featuring 1,100 drones and 500+ lasers, alongside major investment in sports venues. Road Safety Pressure: The Movido Foundation says traffic conditions are worsening due to weak enforcement of mobility and road-safety rules, including stalled photo-fines and limited vehicle inspections. U.S. Tariffs Fallout: Dominican exporters warn the new U.S. forced-labor tariff scheme could raise costs and reduce competitiveness, while the Dominican government issued a decree to block imports linked to forced labor. Textiles & Trade: U.S. textile groups criticized the forced-labor tariff “mechanism,” warning it could hurt domestic manufacturers; meanwhile, a study notes Dominican sourcing under CAFTA-DR remains a key supply source for U.S. fashion brands. Ports & Tourism: APORDOM launched preventive maintenance for tourist and fishing docks nationwide to improve safety and protect coastal operations. Food Trade: The DR resumed egg exports to Cuba, shipping millions of eggs with a new subsidy for maritime transport.

Forced-Labor Tariffs & Local Response: The U.S. began new Section 301 forced-labor tariffs on 60 economies (10% or 12.5%), and the Dominican Republic is among those hit; Santo Domingo responded with Decree 502-26 to let Customs block, investigate, and restrict imports linked to forced labor, including actions on shipments in transit. Export Pressure: Dominican exporters warn the tariff jump (from the expiring 10% surcharge to 12.5% for affected goods) could raise costs and cut competitiveness, with calls to review product scope and exclusions. Textiles Under Scrutiny: U.S. textile groups say the new “textile mechanism” tied to CAFTA-DR sourcing could end up hurting domestic manufacturers, even as the policy aims to steer supply chains away from forced labor. Food Cost Strain: Former President Danilo Medina says families are “stopping eating” as the basic food basket gets more expensive, while Father’s Day shopping shows consumers are still cutting back. Ports & Logistics: APORDOM launched preventive maintenance for tourist and fishing docks to improve maritime safety and keep coastal operations running. Games Boost & Infrastructure: Santo Domingo’s Central American and Caribbean Games opening is set for a high-tech show with drones and lasers, while organizers highlight political support behind the event. Agriculture Trade: The DR resumed egg exports to Cuba with a maritime-transport subsidy to offset logistics costs, targeting over 13 million eggs monthly.

Public Health Upgrade: President Luis Abinader inaugurated the renovated and expanded Hacienda Estrella Municipal Hospital in Santo Domingo Norte, boosting care for 60,000+ residents and calling for community oversight to protect and maintain the facility. Road Safety Pressure: The Dominican Road Mobility Foundation (Movido) says traffic problems stem from weak enforcement of Law 63-17, stalled photo-fines, incomplete vehicle inspections, and poor penalty collection—urging real policy follow-through. Trade Shock from the U.S.: New U.S. forced-labor tariffs (10%–12.5%) could raise costs and cut competitiveness for Dominican exports, with exporters warning they may need to renegotiate terms and review tariff subheadings. Forced-Labor Imports Blocked: Santo Domingo issued Decree 502-26 empowering Customs to block, restrict, and even order disposal of goods linked to forced labor, with an administrative process and inter-agency coordination. Agribusiness to Cuba: The DR resumed egg exports to Cuba with a subsidized maritime transport regulation, shipping 3.9M eggs in the first batch and targeting 13M+ per month. Ports & Logistics: APORDOM launched preventive maintenance for tourist and fishing docks nationwide, including anti-corrosion work and repairs to lighting, decking, and mooring gear. Games Spotlight: Santo Domingo 2026 opening plans include 1,100 drones and 500+ lasers, while organizers highlight presidential support behind the event.

US Tariff Shock for DR Exports: The U.S. replaced the expiring Section 122 surcharge with new forced-labor Section 301 tariffs hitting 60 economies, with the Dominican Republic facing a 12.5% rate on affected goods—exporters warn it could raise costs and squeeze margins, forcing renegotiations. DR Forced-Labor Trade Response: Hours ahead of the U.S. move, Santo Domingo issued Decree 502-26 empowering Customs to block, re-export, or destroy imports linked to forced labor, with DGA as the lead agency. Cuba Egg Trade Resumes: The DR resumed egg exports to Cuba, shipping about 3.9 million eggs in the first batch, supported by a new regulation subsidizing maritime transport to offset higher logistics costs. Ports & Tourism Infrastructure: APORDOM launched preventive maintenance for tourist and fishing docks nationwide, including anti-corrosion work and repairs to mooring gear, to boost safety and coastal commerce. Road Safety Push: Movido Foundation criticized weak enforcement of mobility and road-safety rules, pointing to stalled photo-fines, inspection gaps, and poor penalty collection. Games Spotlight: Santo Domingo 2026 opening plans include 1,100 drones and 500 lasers, while DGBA highlighted Dominican culture through major performances.

Forced-Labor Trade Crackdown: The Dominican Republic issued Decree 502-26 to block imports linked to forced labor, empowering Customs (DGA) to halt, re-export, destroy, or otherwise dispose of covered goods and coordinate with labor, foreign affairs, industry, and other agencies as U.S. Section 301 forced-labor tariffs take effect. US Tariff Shock to DR Exports: Washington’s new 10%–12.5% tariff schedule targets 60 economies over forced-labor enforcement gaps, with the Dominican Republic listed at 12.5% for affected goods. Egg Exports to Cuba Resume: Santo Domingo restarted egg shipments to Cuba with a maritime-transport subsidy, sending the first batch of about 3.9 million eggs in 12 containers and aiming for 13M+ eggs monthly. Port Infrastructure Upgrade: APORDOM launched preventive maintenance for tourist and fishing docks nationwide, including anti-corrosion work, lighting repairs, and mooring equipment fixes. Santo Domingo 2026 Showcase: The Games opening ceremony is set for Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium with 1,100 drones, 500+ lasers, and 30,000 LED wristbands, as the event boosts tourism investment. Seismic Preparedness Push: FUDEC and ONESVIE highlighted the country’s seismic fault risks and urged stronger building assessments and public earthquake education. Competition Law Update: ProCompetencia proposed modernizing antitrust rules for the digital economy, platforms, AI, and cross-border operations. Aviation Industry Move: FL Technics named Saulius Bajarunas as CEO effective Sept. 1, with continued MRO expansion including Punta Cana. Tourism Development Spotlight: Airbnb backed a Dominican vacation rental registry, arguing for proportionate rules that distinguish hosts from hotels.

Forced-Labor Trade Shock: The U.S. rolled out sweeping Section 301 tariffs on 60 economies over forced-labor claims, with the Dominican Republic hit at 12.5%, prompting immediate fallout across supply chains. DR Response: Santo Domingo issued Decree 502-26 to let Customs block, restrict, and even order re-export or destruction of goods linked to forced labor, with the DGA leading enforcement. Tariff Pressure on Industry: Analysts warn the new U.S. duties could raise compliance costs for textile and apparel sourcing, while DR textile exports were noted as exempt in the U.S. determination. Port & Tourism Infrastructure: APORDOM launched preventive maintenance for tourist and fishing docks nationwide to improve safety and extend dock life. Games as a Business Showcase: Santo Domingo 2026 opening plans include 1,100 drones and 500 lasers, while the government highlights over RD$5 billion in venues and tourism upgrades. Aviation & MRO Growth: FL Technics named Saulius Bajarunas CEO effective Sept. 1, as it expands operations including in Punta Cana. Local Economy Pulse: The Central Bank reported 6.4% year-on-year growth in June, led by mining and construction.

US Forced-Labour Tariffs: The Trump administration is rolling out new 10%–12.5% Section 301 tariffs on imports from 60 economies, effective 12:01 a.m. Friday, replacing emergency levies struck down by the Supreme Court. The stated target is countries accused of not adequately banning goods made with forced labour—an approach that could hit supply chains, including textiles and apparel. Dominican Economy Watch: The Central Bank reports Dominican growth of 6.4% year-on-year in June, led by mining (+18.1%), construction (+14.9%), and free-zone manufacturing (+5.8%), with services also contributing. Free Zones 4.0 Push: Adozona and CNZFE, with Unicaribe, urged Free Zones 4.0 upgrades focused on talent, logistics, innovation, and standards compliance to stay competitive in evolving global value chains. Agri Trade & Compliance: The DR resumed egg exports to Cuba (12 containers, ~3.9M eggs) after logistical disruption, while former President Hipólito Mejía called for a review of phytosanitary controls after a U.S. mango suspension tied to Mediterranean fruit fly concerns. Energy Resilience: ADIE says climate risks demand stronger resilience planning for the electricity system to protect service continuity and competitiveness. Games Logistics: The government set a 1:00 p.m. workday cutoff in Greater Santo Domingo ahead of the Central American and Caribbean Games opening in Santo Domingo.

Free Zones 4.0 Push: Adozona and CNZFE, with Unicaribe, urged the Dominican Republic to upgrade free-zone competitiveness beyond cost—leaning into logistics, innovation, compliance, and specialized talent to power higher-value manufacturing and services. Agriculture & Exports: DR resumed egg exports to Cuba with 12 containers (about 3.9M eggs), aiming for more than 13M eggs as shipments move twice monthly; meanwhile, former President Hipólito Mejía called for a review of phytosanitary controls after the U.S. mango suspension tied to Mediterranean fruit fly detection. Energy & Climate Resilience: ADIE warned that climate-driven extreme events are already costing the economy and urged resilience upgrades for the national electricity system to protect service continuity and competitiveness. Water Supply Watch: CAASD announced temporary low-pressure outages in parts of Greater Santo Domingo due to reduced river flows from prolonged dry conditions, with water trucks deployed to prioritize higher-elevation areas. Games Logistics: Ahead of Santo Domingo 2026, the Public Administration Ministry ordered a 1:00 p.m. workday cutoff in Greater Santo Domingo on Friday to ease traffic, while the DAEH will deploy 70 ambulances and 300 staff for event medical coverage. Aviation & Tourism: Puerto Plata’s Gregorio Luperón Airport won the ASQ award for the fourth time, citing improved passenger service based on independent surveys. Productivity Agenda: Government announced the first Meta RD 2036 Forum (Aug. 5) to accelerate reforms aimed at doubling the economy by 2036. Global Trade Pressure: U.S. tariff plans over alleged forced labor could include the Dominican Republic, with duties up to 12.5% under Section 301.

Energy & Mines Payroll Irregularities: An audit tied to the Comptroller General found major staffing and pay irregularities at the Ministry of Energy and Mines, including 429 employees marked absent during working hours, RD$57.8M in unreported payroll/retroactives, off-manual job payments, and continued presence of some flagged workers on the 2026 payroll. Education for Industry 4.0: President Luis Abinader says education will become a State policy after a national consultation, aiming to build skills for AI, automation, and future-ready learning. Productivity Agenda: The government announced the first Meta RD 2036 Forum (Aug. 5) to accelerate reforms meant to double the economy by 2036, create 1.7M jobs, and cut extreme poverty. Games Logistics & Health: For Santo Domingo 2026 (July 24–Aug 8), DAEH will deploy 70 ambulances and 300 staff for medical coverage, while the Transportation Cabinet rolled out a mobility plan with free metro/bus service for accredited groups. Agriculture & Water Tech: A Chilean delegation visited irrigation and protected-environment agriculture projects in Jarabacoa, San José de Ocoa, and Azua to exchange know-how. Hunger Milestone: FAO removed the Dominican Republic from the World Hunger Map after undernourishment fell below 2.5%, with Abinader pointing to food security programs and resilience efforts.

Meta RD 2036 Forum: The Dominican Government announced the first Meta RD 2036 Forum on Aug. 5 at MIREX, bringing public and private sectors, academia, and experts to push reforms aimed at doubling the economy by 2036, boosting productivity, innovation, and job creation. Education for Industry 4.0: President Abinader says education transformation will be a State policy after the National Consultation, with a shift toward skills for AI, automation, and future technologies. Games logistics and health: DAEH will deploy 70 ambulances and 300 staff for medical coverage during Santo Domingo 2026 (July 24–Aug. 8), while the Transportation Cabinet rolled out a mobility plan with free metro access for accredited personnel and expanded transit services. Agriculture tech exchange: Chile’s irrigation delegation visited TNR to study Dominican greenhouse irrigation and protected-environment production, focusing on water conservation and productivity. Mango export risk: U.S. APHIS temporarily suspended Dominican mango imports over phytosanitary protocol issues tied to fruit fly controls, though DR says most shipments already left and new compliance protocols are coming. Larimar value chain: The Energy and Mines Ministry says larimar exports won’t cut supply for artisans and announced a 2026 direct sales fair linking miners and artisans on Aug. 21. Regional business pulse: Expo Amaprosan 2026 in Santiago closed with record attendance and 120+ companies across food, agribusiness, telecoms, and consumer goods. Logistics for humanitarian aid: DP World’s Air Cargo Hub Punta Cana coordinated two relief flights delivering 27+ tons to earthquake-affected communities in Venezuela. Sports IP crackdown: DOJ seized 1,000+ domains used for illegal World Cup streaming, including 256 in the Dominican Republic.

Food Security Milestone: The FAO confirmed the Dominican Republic has exited the global hunger map after undernourishment fell below the 2.5% threshold, with President Luis Abinader pointing to coordinated public policies spanning family farming, water management, social protection and resilience. Global Food Outlook: The UN’s SOFI 2026 report says hunger declined for a third straight year, but warns climate shocks and trade disruptions could slow progress. Sports Tourism Push: Asonahores says the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026 (July 24–Aug 8) will boost tourism across the value chain as thousands of athletes and visitors arrive. Infrastructure for the Games: The government puts investment in Games infrastructure and operations at around RD$9 billion, with security, transport and logistics ramping up. Logistics & Aid: DP World’s Air Cargo Hub Punta Cana helped move 27+ tonnes of humanitarian aid to earthquake-hit Venezuela via relief flights. Agribusiness Trade Watch: The Dominican Republic’s mango export sector faces pressure as the U.S. suspends imports over protocol violations, while the country reinforces phytosanitary controls. Health Services Performance: The National Health Service (SNS) reported a record 25.39M specialized services delivered in Jan–Jun 2026, alongside major equipment investments. Local Industry Spotlight: Quad/Graphics says it will expand packaging manufacturing with a new Salt Lake City facility, while keeping global packaging operations in Santo Domingo.

Budget Update: The Dominican government submitted a bill to the Senate to amend the 2026 General State Budget, aiming to boost public investment and protect vulnerable sectors amid volatility and trade disruptions, with revenue projected at RD$1.383T, spending at RD$1.785T, and a RD$280.6B deficit. Food Security Milestone: The FAO removed the Dominican Republic from the global hunger map after undernourishment fell below 2.5%, and the country received the “Zero Hunger” declaration in Rome, with Abinader pointing to programs like school feeding and social support. Agriculture & Exports: APHIS temporarily suspended Dominican mango imports to the U.S. over phytosanitary compliance issues tied to Caribbean fruit fly controls, while the Ministry of Agriculture says most shipments were already underway and new protocols will be adopted. Public Health Output: The National Health Service (SNS) reported a record 25.39M specialized services delivered in Jan–Jun 2026, alongside RD$397.0M invested in hospital and primary care diagnostic equipment. Logistics & Trade: DP World, via Air Cargo Hub Punta Cana, coordinated two relief flights delivering 27+ tonnes of humanitarian aid to earthquake-hit communities in Venezuela. Digital Enforcement: U.S. authorities seized 1,000+ domains used for illegal World Cup streaming, including 256 linked to the Dominican Republic, warning of malware and payment theft risks. Sustainability in Tourism: Piñero launched the third “Los + Ecoístas” awards, expanding categories to include content creators and media promoting environmental sustainability, with nominations open until Sept. 14.

Mango Exports Under Pressure: The U.S. APHIS has temporarily suspended Dominican mango imports after reported phytosanitary protocol gaps, while the Dominican Ministry of Agriculture says most shipments were already on the way and will tighten compliance with fruit-fly monitoring. Phytosanitary Overhaul: Agriculture also announced new mango export controls—more trap oversight, improved monitoring systems, and stricter pre-inspection protocols—to keep access to the U.S. and Europe. Trade & Tariffs Watch: A trade minister said the U.S. is expected to raise tariffs on New Zealand goods to 12.5% this week, a reminder that global trade costs can shift quickly. Public Health & Services: The National Health Service (SNS) logged a record 25.39M specialized services in the first half of 2026, alongside major equipment investment. Infrastructure for Industry & Mobility: Abinader inaugurated the Plaza de la Bandera tunnel in Greater Santo Domingo, a RD$3.3B project aimed at easing traffic and improving southern connectivity. Logistics & Aid: DP World’s Air Cargo Hub Punta Cana coordinated two relief flights delivering 27+ tons of humanitarian supplies to Venezuela. Energy Sector Safety: Officials warned against changing LPG mixtures to 90% propane due to cylinder condition and explosion risk. Regional Business Pulse: Expo Amaprosan 2026 in Santiago closed with record attendance and 120+ companies, reinforcing the Cibao as a commercial hub.

US-Mango Shock: The U.S. APHIS temporarily suspended Dominican mango imports after alleged phytosanitary noncompliance tied to Caribbean fruit fly controls, though the Dominican Agriculture Ministry says most yellow mangoes were already shipped and new protocols will restore access. Phytosanitary Push: Agriculture also rolled out tighter mango export measures—more trap oversight (2,089 traps in Peravia), improved monitoring and data systems, and renewed stricter controls—to keep Europe and the U.S. markets open. Energy & Mining: The Energy and Mines Ministry said exporting raw larimar won’t cut supply for Dominican artisans, and announced a direct sales fair on Aug. 21 to link miners and artisans in Barahona. Infrastructure & Mobility: President Abinader inaugurated the Plaza de la Bandera tunnel (1.2 km, four lanes) to ease Greater Santo Domingo traffic and improve southern connectivity. Social Protection: Supérate highlighted poverty reduction at the UN forum, supporting 1.4M households and expanding energy subsidies via Bono Gas and Bono Luz. Logistics & Aid: DP World, via Air Cargo Hub Punta Cana, coordinated two relief flights delivering 27+ tons of humanitarian aid to earthquake-affected communities in Venezuela. Finance: Banco Popular was named Euromoney’s Best Bank in the Dominican Republic for the 11th time. Security & Industry: The Defense Ministry received new drones and Centauro tactical vehicles to boost border surveillance and operational capacity. Sports & Events: Expo Amaprosan 2026 closed with record attendance in Santiago, reinforcing the Cibao’s industrial and commerce momentum.