Molasses market in Dominican Republic

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, molasses production in the Dominican Republic declined from 230 thousand tons to 210 thousand tons, while the market volume increased from 68.7 thousand tons to 88.9 thousand tons. The sugar industry demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, which helped maintain demand for molasses as a by-product.

Production recovered to 224.7 thousand tons in 2022, with market volume stabilizing around 83 thousand tons. This growth was supported by a 22% increase in exports of sugar-derived products and a redistribution of export quotas after the U.S. banned imports from Central Romana Corporation due to forced labor concerns.

In 2023, production fell to 191.5 thousand tons and market volume dropped to 76.5 thousand tons. However, the government reactivated the state sugar industry with the reopening of the Porvenir mill, which produced over 1.3 million gallons of molasses, indicating continued investment in the sector.

Production molasses in Dominican Republic

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of molasses, 2017-2020

World map of production of molasses, 2017-2020

Molasses production in the Dominican Republic has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 210.0 K t of molasses, representing a slight contraction of 2.3% compared to the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2018, when production rose by 8.0% to reach a peak of 230.0 K t. However, the following year saw the largest decline, with a drop of 6.5% in 2019.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the output of molasses in the Dominican Republic was valued at 29 141 K $ US, showing a modest increase of 1.0% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 6.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 32 563 K $ US, while the lowest was in 2019 at 28 859 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with an 11.4% drop, whereas the largest increase was in 2018, with a rise of 4.6%.

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

Exports molasses from Dominican Republic

Exports in kind, K t

Molasses exports from the Dominican Republic have fallen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the export volume stood at 121.1 K t, marking a modest decline of 4.4% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 13.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.8%. The peak was in 2018 at 162.7 K t, with the largest increase that year of 15.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 22.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the primary buyer of molasses from the Dominican Republic, accounting for 83.8% of total exports in volume. The remaining share was distributed among a diverse group of other countries.

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

Molasses exports from the Dominican Republic have declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country exported 16 799 K $ US worth of molasses, corresponding to a small decrease of 1.2% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 18.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 23 035 K $ US, which saw the largest increase of 12.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 26.2%.

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

During 2017-2020, the United States served as the principal market for molasses from the Dominican Republic, making up 83.9% of total exports in value. Other destinations contributed to a smaller portion of the export value.

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 molasses to Dominican Republic

Imports in kind, K t

The import market for molasses in the Dominican Republic experienced significant fluctuations during this period. Imports peaked in 2018 at 1.4 K t, but by 2020, they had plummeted to 0.0 K t, representing a dramatic fall of 99.4% year-over-year. This change from the peak in 2018 to the trough in 2020 amounted to a 410-fold decrease. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, with a surge of 11 960.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Panama and Colombia were the dominant sources for molasses imports into the Dominican Republic, together accounting for 96.1% of total import volume. Other markets made up the remainder.

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

The import market for molasses in the Dominican Republic showed high volatility during these years. Imports reached their highest level in 2018 at 209 K $ US, but by 2020, they had dropped to a low of 9 K $ US, down by 93.2% compared to 2019. This represents a top-to-bottom ratio of 22 times. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 1 428.6%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, two countries—Panama and Colombia—accounted for the majority of molasses imports into the Dominican Republic in value terms. Other markets played a less significant role individually.

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

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