Dominican Republic Economy Grows 5.6% Despite Global Crisis

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The Dominican Republic's economy grew 5.6% in September 2026, according to the monthly economic activity index (IMAE), accumulating 4.6% growth in the first nine months of the year, Central Bank Governor Héctor Valdez Albizu announced during the institution's 79th anniversary.

Key sectors

Construction led with 8.2% growth, driven by private investment and government capital spending.
Services grew 4.6% overall, with financial services up 7.8% and hotels, bars, and restaurants up 5.6%.
Mining and quarrying expanded 5.2%, local manufacturing 3.4%, and free zones 2.8%.

Tourism and external sector

Tourism arrivals reached 9.2 million in January–September, generating US$9.7 billion in revenue. Remittances totaled over US$9.4 billion. Total exports reached US$13.2 billion, and foreign direct investment hit US$4.5 billion, mainly in energy, tourism, and real estate.

Labor and poverty

The unemployment rate fell to 5.3% in April–June 2026, below the historical average of 6.0%. Informal employment stood at 53.8%, below the Latin American median. Monetary poverty dropped to 13.57% in the second quarter.

Financial system and instant payments

The financial sector's assets reached RD$4.6 trillion, up 10.7% year-on-year, with a return on equity (ROE) of 23.1% and non-performing loans at 1.5%, down from 1.9% a year earlier.

Governor Valdez Albizu announced that a new instant payments platform will launch in 2027, operating 24/7 and crediting funds "in seconds," which he said "will revolutionize the way electronic transfers are made."

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