Santo Domingo.- The United States is conducting multiple investigations into labor issues within the Dominican agricultural industry. These investigations could have adverse consequences for exports to the United States. The investigations have been ongoing for several years, and the Department of Labor and the Trade Representative are pursuing at least four lines of investigation.
One investigation began in 2011, while others recently started in the country, focusing on labor matters in the Dominican agricultural sector.
These investigations have resulted in restrictions on certain exports. For example, the United States has imposed restrictions on locally produced raw sugar and its derived products by Central Romana Corporation Limited due to concerns about forced labor and irregularities.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic, Roberto Álvarez, expressed concern about the potential impact of these investigations on exports to the United States. Despite the challenges posed by these investigations, he highlighted the continued growth of bilateral trade between the two countries.
Álvarez also mentioned the threat to the rice sector due to the tariff reduction schedule in the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA). Dominican authorities are considering measures to protect the local rice industry, which is considered a matter of national security.
In addition to the ongoing investigations, there have been calls for public hearings on labor issues under DR-CAFTA, particularly regarding freedom of association and other labor rights.
The Dominican government is focused on protecting its exports to the United States while navigating these labor challenges. The relationship between the two countries extends beyond trade, with the United States being home to approximately 20% of the Dominican population, making them strategic allies.
Efforts are being made to strengthen bilateral cooperation, and the entry of the Dominican Republic into the Global Entry program is considered a milestone that reflects the growing trust and cooperation between the two nations.
The government also seeks to play an important role in the Alliance for Economic Prosperity of the Americas (APEP), contributing to competitiveness, resilience, and shared prosperity in the region.
Overall, while labor investigations pose challenges, the Dominican Republic intends to continue its close relationship with the United States and maintain a strong trade partnership.