The Dominican Republic has become a strategic partner for Guatemala in the Caribbean, driven by bilateral trade that continues to strengthen thanks to favorable conditions such as the DR-Cafta treaty and the growing economic complementarity between both nations, explains Ericka Yolanda Guillermo Soto, commercial counselor at the Guatemalan Embassy in that country.
In recent years, commercial exchange has shown sustained dynamism. At the end of 2025, Guatemala exported US$282.6 million to that country, while imports totaled US$31.6 million, which generated a surplus of more than US$251 million for the Guatemalan economy. This trend confirms the Dominican Republic as one of Guatemala’s main commercial destinations in the Caribbean.
The growth of trade responds, in part, to the progressive reduction of tariffs and the harmonization of standards, factors that have facilitated the flow of goods. In this context, Guatemala’s exportable supply has diversified, with products such as detergents, processed foods, chemicals, plastics, furniture and metals, indicates the diplomat.
In addition to traditional trade, new opportunities are identified in the Dominican market. The economic structure of that country—based on tourism and manufacturing— demands industrial inputs, packaging materials and intermediate products that Guatemala can provide competitivelysays the commercial advisor in that country.
Also There is potential in decorative items for hotels, crafts and food products, especially in sectors linked to tourism growth, complements Guillermo Soto.
Leverage private label growth
One of the spaces with the greatest projection is the own brand model or private label in Dominican supermarket chains, that have increased their offer under this format. This scheme could facilitate the entry of Guatemalan products and expand export volumes.
Added to this is the growing air connectivity between both countries, especially with direct flights, which not only strengthen trade, but also open opportunities in multi-destination tourism. While the Dominican Republic leads in sun and beach tourism, Guatemala offers a proposal based on cultural and natural wealth, which generates an attractive complementary offer for international visitors.
In economic terms, the Dominican Republic maintains solid growth, driven by sectors such as tourism, remittances and foreign investment. In 2025 alone, the country received 11.6 million visitors and attracted more than US$5 billion in foreign investmentconsolidating itself as one of the most dynamic economies in the Caribbean.
With these conditions, the Caribbean country is positioned as a strategic gateway for Guatemalan companies interested in expanding in the Caribbean, in an environment that combines economic growth, commercial openness and new business opportunities.
Countries sign agreement
Dominican Republic and Guatemala signed a memorandum of understanding to create a Political Business Forum, aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, promoting trade and attracting investment.
The mechanism will facilitate dialogue between authorities and the private sector, as well as the exchange of information and the identification of business opportunities.
In addition, it will allow us to follow up on joint initiatives and strengthen bilateral trade relations, in a context in which both countries did not have an exclusively bilateral instrument for this purpose.