Dominican Republic Tobacco Exports Rise 86% in First Half of 2026

Dominican Republic tobacco, cigar, and cigarette exports generated over US$802 million between January and June 2026, a 86% increase from the same period last year, according to the Instituto del Tabaco de República Dominicana (Intabaco). Monthly exports rose from US$79.72 million in January to US$148.8 million in June, based on data from the Dirección General de Aduanas Source: El Caribe.

Key figures

• The United States remains the top destination, accounting for 78.5% of export value (US$629.5 million) Source: Listín Diario.
• 99.5% of exported tobacco comes from free zones, generating US$798.3 million; the remaining 0.5% from local companies adds US$3.7 million Source: Hoy.
• The industry supports over 122,000 direct and indirect jobs across 130 free-zone companies, with 93% located in the northern region Source: Listín Diario.

Context and outlook

Intabaco director Iván Hernández Guzmán attributed the growth to public-private collaboration in promotion, training, credit access, legal security, and technology adoption Source: El Día. He noted that 2025 exports totaled US$1,359 million and projected significant growth for 2026 Source: Diario Libre.

FAO representative Rodrigo Castañeda praised the sector, calling tobacco the crop with the highest value chain in the country, involving many hands from planting to cigar production Source: Diario Libre. He also highlighted FAO's role in monitoring tobacco planting and strengthening Intabaco Source: Hoy.

President Luis Abinader has declared the Dominican cigar as Cultural Heritage of the Nation, reflecting its economic and historical importance Source: Listín Diario.