What the Dominican Republic exports: the most popular products shipping out of RD

A record year for Dominican exports

The Dominican Republic closed 2025 with record exports of more than US$15.9 billion, up about 14% from 2024. The United States is by far the largest buyer, and Haiti is the second most important market. Growth is coming from both the free trade zones and traditional farm products, which means more Dominican companies are shipping abroad than ever.

The most popular exports from the Dominican Republic

1. Gold. Gold is the country’s largest export by value, mined mainly in Sánchez Ramírez and shipped by air under strict security and valuation.

2. Medical devices. Free trade zone plants produce catheters, surgical instruments, blood-pressure equipment and other medical devices, mostly for the U.S. market.

3. Electrical equipment. Circuit breakers, switches and electrical components made in free zones are another top category.

4. Cigars and tobacco. The Dominican Republic is one of the world’s leading premium cigar exporters. Santiago and the Cibao valley ship cigars to the U.S., Europe and the Caribbean.

5. Cocoa and chocolate. RD is a top producer of organic cocoa. Beans and cocoa products go mainly to Europe and the U.S.

6. Bananas, avocados and mangoes. Fresh fruit is a growing business. Organic bananas head to Europe, while avocados and mangoes ship to the U.S. and Caribbean. In 2025 the country even shipped its first table grapes to the United States.

7. Sugar, coffee and rum. Cane sugar, specialty coffee and Dominican rum round out the traditional agro-industrial exports.

8. Apparel and footwear. Free zone factories still ship clothing, textiles and shoes, especially to the U.S.

9. Larimar, amber and crafts. Smaller but popular: Larimar and amber jewelry, artisan goods and Dominican products for the diaspora.

Where Dominican exports go

• United States — the largest market by far.
• Haiti — the second most important destination, served by land and sea.
• Europe — cocoa, bananas, cigars and rum.
• Caribbean and Central America — Puerto Rico, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela and the CARICOM islands.
• India and Asia — mainly gold.

What you need to export from the Dominican Republic

Every exporter needs a registered company (RNC), exporter registration with ProDominicana, an account to file the export declaration with the Dirección General de Aduanas (DGA), and a full set of shipment documents: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and the right certificate of origin for your market. Food, fruit, cocoa, tobacco and animal products also need phytosanitary or health certificates.

We put everything in one place. Download our free Dominican Republic Export Checklist (PDF) and check off each item before your cargo leaves.

How Puente Freight helps exporters

Puente Freight ships out of the Dominican Republic to the world by ocean (FCL and LCL) and air from Caucedo, Río Haina, Puerto Plata, Manzanillo and the main airports. We help you prepare documents, book space, consolidate small loads and get your cargo through customs on time.

Tell us your product, dimensions, weight and destination, and we’ll send you a quote.