SANTO DOMINGO - President Luis Abinader announced on March 18, 2025, the lifting of U.S. restrictions on Central Romana Corporation, allowing the company to export sugar to the United States after two years of prohibitions.
During his remarks on "La Semanal", Abinader emphasized the importance of this decision for the Dominican Republic's economy and reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring fair labor practices and respect for human rights across industries. He remarked, "After more than two years, Central Romana will be able to export as it always has," marking a significant return to normalcy for the sugar industry, one of the nation’s most traditional economic sectors.
The restrictions initially came about when the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a Withhold Release Order (WRO) against Central Romana back in November 2022. This was due to allegations of labor rights violations connected to the company’s operations, which reportedly included signs of forced labor and substandard working conditions for many sugarcane workers, particularly those from Haiti.
The prohibitions had severely impacted sugar exports from the Dominican Republic, where Central Romana stands as the largest producer. Prior to the sanctions, the company was instrumental to the industry, accounting for about 65% of the market share of Dominican sugar exported to the U.S. Under the DR-CAFTA Free Trade Agreement, Central Romana was heavily involved in this lucrative trade.
Following the decision to lift the ban, Central Romana expressed satisfaction with the outcome. "The U.S. government has examined all shared evidence and has agreed there is no basis to maintain the Withhold Release Order," the corporation stated on the same day as the announcement. They highlighted their efforts over the past two years to cooperate with U.S. officials, sharing all necessary independent audits and documentation of best practices related to labor conditions.
The company’s acknowledgment of the progress made by the CBP reflects its broader efforts to address and rectify the violations cited during the investigation. They had undergone rigorous scrutiny and were proactive in implementing corrective measures to assure compliance with labor standards.
The lifting of restrictions brings hope for revitalization within the Dominican sugar sector. With the announcement, expectations arise for increased production and employment opportunities within Central Romana and the wider economy. The news has been termed as a relief and indicative of the strengthened trade relations between the Dominican Republic and the United States.
Researchers and labor rights advocates remain vigilant, reminding stakeholders of the past. The seriousness of the allegations which led to the initial WRO is not forgotten. U.S. labor officials identified sugarcane production from the Dominican Republic on their List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor as of September 2022. This acknowledgment serves as both a warning and rationale behind U.S. policies aimed at combating forced labor globally.
The recent developments not only denote the lifting of export restrictions but also underline the necessity for continuous monitoring of labor practices within the industry. An independent evaluation from Central Romana is now expected within six months as part of their renewed engagement with U.S. trade authorities. This will assess the improvements made and guide future operations.
With the ceremonial return to normal exports, the preliminary statistics hinted at potential economic benefits. Sugar and confectionery exports had reached $188.7 million by 2024—a 22.7% increase from previous years, displaying the sector's resilience and the possibility of regaining even more market share as restrictions disappear.
Yet, the business climate remains cautiously optimistic. Central Romana continues aiming to provide both local and international markets with high-quality sugar products. The commitment expressed by the company to remedy past practices signals their approach toward sustainability and ethical production standards moving forward.
The results of this development will not be immediate but rather part of a gradual process of rebuilding trust and ensuring compliance with human rights standards across its operations. With Central Romana poised to reopen its U.S. export channels, the Dominican Republic’s sugar economy stands at the brink of recovery, renewing hopes for workers' welfare and economic growth.
