Beef and buffalo meat market in Dominican Republic

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018, the introduction of a new mandatory food labeling system, requiring clear Spanish labeling and valid sanitary registration for all products, helped standardize the Dominican beef market. Concurrent efforts to align the national meat inspection system with U.S. standards aimed to open export opportunities. These developments coincided with stable market volumes around 69,000 t through 2020. However, in 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains and consumption patterns, contributing to a market contraction to 67,894 t.

A pivotal change occurred in 2022 when the United States authorized the Dominican Republic to export raw beef, creating a new channel for producers. This authorization stimulated export growth, while domestic production faced challenges, leading to a slight dip in total market volume to 67,528 t. The same year saw the launch of the national Livestock Improvement Project (PROMEGAN), a public investment program targeting better pastures, forage, and genetics to boost long-term productivity. Market diversification also progressed with the emergence of buffalo meat as a new segment.

Market volume rebounded to 70,051 t in 2023, supported by increased imports from the United States, facilitated by trade agreements and lower domestic output. Established players like Grupo Alonzo consolidated their local market presence while pursuing export growth. Ongoing regulatory updates, including the implementation of front-of-pack nutritional warning labels, and continuous industry programs for traceability and genetic improvement, shaped the market's structure and quality standards.

Production beef and buffalo meat in Dominican Republic

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of beef and buffalo meat, 2017-2020

World map of production of beef and buffalo meat, 2017-2020

Beef and buffalo meat production in the Dominican Republic has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 66 450 tonnes, marking a moderate rise of 3.3% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 14.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Dominican Republic in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After a two-year decline, beef and buffalo meat production in the Dominican Republic saw an increase. In 2020, the output was valued at 262.6 million US dollars, up by 3.5% from 2019. However, between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 20.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 253.7 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 16.3% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Dominican Republic in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports beef and buffalo meat from Dominican Republic

Exports in kind, t

The market showed volatility during these years. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2017, while the highest was in 2019, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.1 times. In 2020, foreign beef and buffalo meat supplies from the Dominican Republic amounted to 611 tonnes, reflecting a decline of 19.9% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 762 tonnes, with the largest increase of 83.3% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Dominican Republic in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the main markets for exports in kind were El Salvador (56.1% of exports), Guatemala (21.6%), and Haiti (8.3%), forming a cluster that accounted for 86.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Dominican Republic in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, beef and buffalo meat exports from the Dominican Republic totalled 2 414 thousand US dollars, marking a robust decline of 19.7% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 15.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.9%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 988 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was in 2019 at 3 007 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase of 51.2% also occurring in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Dominican Republic in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the top buyers of beef and buffalo meat from the Dominican Republic in value terms were El Salvador (55.2% of exports), Guatemala (16.6%), and Haiti (8.6%), with their combined share reaching 80.3% of total exports.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Dominican Republic in value, 2017-2020

Imports beef and buffalo meat to Dominican Republic

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year rise, the volume of beef and buffalo meat imports into the Dominican Republic declined. In 2020, imports tallied 3 261 tonnes, indicating a decrease of 48.1% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 38.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 14.8%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 6 284 tonnes, with the largest increase of 11.1% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Dominican Republic in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, imports in kind of beef and buffalo meat to the Dominican Republic were almost entirely concentrated in the United States, which accounted for 99.5% of the total.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Dominican Republic in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year uptick, cross-border shipments of beef and buffalo meat into the Dominican Republic declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 33 731 thousand US dollars, indicating a steep fall of 48.7% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 34.7%, with an average annual decline of 13.3%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 65 699 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase of 17.6% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Dominican Republic in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the market structure was highly concentrated, with the United States alone responsible for 99.7% of total imports in value terms.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Dominican Republic in value, 2017-2020