Sweet potatoe market in Dominican Republic

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the sweet potato market volume in the Dominican Republic increased from 40 367 tons to 49 352 tons. This growth was initially supported by phytosanitary improvements, including biological control of the quarantine sweet potato weevil, which eased production constraints and export prospects under DR-CAFTA. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 significantly boosted demand as consumers shifted toward healthy and convenient foods, accelerating the market for frozen and processed sweet potato products.

After stabilizing near 49 133 tons in 2021, the market expanded sharply to 62 243 tons in 2022 and reached 65 749 tons in 2023. The implementation of front-of-pack warning labeling for pre-packaged foods, mandated by the Ministry of Public Health, drove adaptations in the processed sweet potato segment. Despite a drought in 2023 that pressured local production and prices, market growth continued due to strengthened supply chains, export diversification to markets like Puerto Rico and the United States, and sustained consumer preference for fresh, healthy options.

Production sweet potatoe in Dominican Republic

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of sweet potatoe, 2017-2020

World map of production of sweet potatoe, 2017-2020

Sweet potato production in the Dominican Republic increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 57 142 tonnes of sweet potatoes, marking a 4.2% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 17.1%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 5.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the value of sweet potato output in the Dominican Republic was 40 831 thousand US dollars, down by 5.9% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 6.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 38 906 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with an 11.1% drop, while the largest increase was in 2019 with an 11.5% rise.

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

Exports sweet potatoe from Dominican Republic

Exports in kind, t

Sweet potato exports from the Dominican Republic declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 7 856 tonnes, representing a sharp reduction of 23.6% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 11.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.1%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 12 496 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 40.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States dominated the export structure in kind, accounting for 93.8% 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

Sweet potato exports from the Dominican Republic declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 5 614 thousand US dollars, marking a sudden decrease of 30.9% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 29.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -11.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 9 215 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 15.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States served as the primary market for sweet potato exports from the Dominican Republic, consistently absorbing 94.2% of total exports in value terms.

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 sweet potatoe to Dominican Republic

Imports in kind, t

Sweet potato import volume in the Dominican Republic declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 67 tonnes, which is 29.8% lower than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 61.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -27.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the largest source for sweet potato imports in kind to the Dominican Republic, accounting for 72.5% of total flows.

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

In 2020, the Dominican Republic imported 97 thousand US dollars worth of sweet potatoes, representing a robust drop of 22.7% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 55.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -23.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 93 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 57.3%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 34.9% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Ireland remained the principal suppliers of sweet potatoes to the Dominican Republic, together forming 74.2% 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