Record-Breaking Exports of Medical Supplies in 2024
The Dominican Republic has achieved a significant milestone in its trade relationship with the United States, exporting over $1.725 billion of medical supplies and equipment in 2024. This figure, equivalent to over 100 billion pesos, makes medical supplies the country’s top export category. According to Dominican Ambassador to the United States, Sonia Guzmán, this remarkable growth underscores the Dominican Republic medical device industry’s expanding role in the global healthcare supply chain.
A Booming Medical Device Manufacturing Sector
According to data from the Dominican Association of Free Zones (ADOZONA), the Dominican Republic’s medical device industry is home to 40 medical supply manufacturing companies employing over 32,000 workers. These companies play a vital role in producing essential healthcare equipment, including blood transfusion devices, blood pressure monitors, needles, catheters, electrodiagnostic equipment, sterile sutures, and ostomy instruments.
Guzmán highlighted that the country has secured its position as the third-largest exporter of medical supplies to the United States in the region, surpassed only by Mexico and Costa Rica. This success has increased interest in developing the Dominican Republic as a biomedical hub, positioning the country as a key center for operations, logistics, and medical material distribution.
Positioning the Dominican Republic as a Biomedical Hub
The initiative to establish the Dominican Republic as a biomedical hub has gained momentum among key stakeholders in the healthcare and logistics industries. This effort was discussed in detail during a recent meeting led by Dr. Amado Alejandro Báez, Executive Advisor for Health and Well-being. The meeting brought together investors, medical professionals, U.S. authorities, and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) representatives.
Dr. Báez emphasized the Dominican Republic medical device industry’s potential to become a logistics hub for the Americas, particularly in the classification, transportation, dispatch, and distribution of medical goods. He also expressed his intention to establish stronger connections with leaders in research, investment, and nearshoring, ensuring that the Dominican Republic remains a key player in the commercialization of medical innovation.
Government Support and Investment Incentives
The Dominican government is actively working to enhance the country’s appeal as a biomedical hub by improving regulatory frameworks and offering investment incentives. During the meeting, key officials, including Carlos Pimentel, Director of Procurement and Contracting, and Johannes Kelner, Deputy Minister of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs, outlined investment opportunities and regulatory strategies to attract international businesses.
Representatives from ProDominicana, the General Directorate of Medicines, Food, and Products (DIGEMAPS), and the Dominican Pharmaceutical Industries contributed insights into the nation’s evolving medical manufacturing landscape. These discussions highlighted how regulatory support, streamlined business operations, and a skilled workforce can further bolster the Dominican Republic medical device industry and strengthen its role in the global healthcare supply chain.
Strengthening Ties with U.S. Partners and International Institutions
The Dominican delegation also met with representatives from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to present their proposal for the logistics hub. Their discussions focused on securing institutional support and strengthening healthcare and medical digitalization integration.
In addition to IDB representatives, key attendees included members of the U.S. program America’s RISE, such as Patty Wu, Dr. Deus Bazira, Director of Global Health at Georgetown University, and business development leaders from Vitro Diagnostica, Carna Health, and Vision Americas International. These collaborations will enhance the Dominican Republic medical device industry’s ability to attract investment, develop cutting-edge medical technologies, and increase exports.
Global Players in the Dominican Republic’s Medical Manufacturing Sector
Ambassador Guzmán reiterated that among the 40 medical device manufacturing companies operating in the country, seven of the world’s 20 leading medical firms have already established a presence in the Dominican Republic. This underscores the nation’s attractiveness to major global players, who recognize its strategic location, cost-effective workforce, and favorable trade agreements with the U.S.
The Future of the Dominican Republic’s Medical Exports
With a strong foundation in medical manufacturing and growing government support, the Dominican Republic is well-positioned to expand its influence in the healthcare industry. Industry leaders are optimistic that the country will solidify its status as a top-tier biomedical hub in the Americas with continued investment in logistics, research, and innovation.
As the Dominican Republic continues to increase its exports, policymakers and industry stakeholders remain committed to fostering growth, creating high-quality jobs, and maintaining its reputation as a reliable supplier of essential medical equipment to the global market.
Conclusion
The Dominican Republic’s medical device industry has solidified its position as a leading exporter of medical supplies to the U.S., reaching a record-breaking $1.725 billion in exports in 2024. With 40 medical device manufacturers employing over 32,000 workers, the country is now the third-largest regional exporter, following Mexico and Costa Rica. Efforts to establish the Dominican Republic as a biomedical hub have gained traction, driven by government initiatives, investment incentives, and collaborations with key stakeholders such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and U.S. institutions.
Industry leaders emphasize the country’s potential as a logistics and distribution center for medical goods in the Americas, further supported by a favorable regulatory framework and strong U.S. trade ties. Major global medical firms have already established operations in the country, recognizing its strategic location and cost-effective workforce. Meetings with government officials and business leaders have highlighted investment opportunities and strategies to strengthen the country’s role in the healthcare supply chain. As the Dominican Republic continues expanding, its medical experts, policymakers, and industry stakeholders remain committed to fostering innovation, attracting investment, and ensuring long-term growth, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality medical equipment.