MICM Applauds U.S. Decision to Lift Ban on Dominican Sugar Exports

  • The Trump administration on Monday, March 17, 2025, quietly rescinded an order that had blocked a major Dominican sugar producer with political ties to President Trump from shipping sugar to the United States because of allegations of forced labour at the company.
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection modified a “withhold release order” that had been issued in 2022 for raw sugar and sugar products made by the Central Romana Corporation, blocking exports to the United States from the company. The Customs website now lists the order as “inactive.”
  • Labour rights groups expressed frustration at the change, saying that Central Romana, whose sugar had been sold in the United States under the Domino brand, had not significantly improved its labour practices.
  • A U.S. official, who declined to be named because the person was not authorized to speak publicly, said that the decision to rescind the rule and allow the company to begin exporting had not followed established processes. The official cited Central Romana’s powerful ownership and said that the decision was most likely made at the top levels of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
  • However, Hilton Beckham, an assistant commissioner of public affairs for Customs and Border Protection, confirmed that the order had been modified, saying that the decision followed “documented improvements to labour standards, verified by independent sources.” She declined to disclose those sources, citing confidentiality reasons.
  • That said, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs (MICM) in the Dominican Republic welcomed the decision, whilst the Ministry of Labor highlighted that this move reflects confidence in the Dominican Republic as a key trade partner.
  • Minister Víctor Ito Bisonó emphasized that the decision enhances global confidence in the country and aligns with President Luis Abinader’s efforts to promote sustainable and competitive trade. He added that this progress bolsters the nation’s image and expands opportunities for Dominican exports.

(Sources: Dominican Today & The New York Times)