Dominican Republic’s Chicken Imports: A Closer Look

The Dominican Republic, despite its robust local poultry production averaging 750,000 chickens daily, continues to engage in significant chicken imports. The primary motivations behind this practice are low international prices, the needs of the sausage industry, and the drive to meet domestic demand.

Import Statistics and Trends

Data from the Dominican Republic’s Export and Investment Center (ProDominicana) reveals that the country imported chicken pieces and edible offal for a staggering US$115.8 million in 2024. This figure stands out, particularly when considering the nation produces approximately 22.5 million chickens each month, as reported by the Dominican Poultry Farming Association (ADA).

“When international chicken prices fall below production costs, exporters from countries like Brazil and the United States often sell their surpluses at reduced rates in foreign markets,” said the ADA in a response to Diario Libre. Such scenarios can create competition with local production.

Calls for National Prioritization

Wilfredo Cabrera, president of the National Confederation of Agricultural Producers (Confenagro), argues that government authorities should prioritize purchasing locally-produced chicken. He highlighted ongoing government programs that still buy imported chickens despite official resolutions mandating the use of national production, which introduces what he describes as “unnecessary pressure” on the local sector.

Consumer Preferences

Both ADA and Confenagro emphasize that Dominicans have a strong preference for fresh, local chicken due to its superior taste and quality. Imported chicken, primarily frozen, is often perceived as drier and less flavorful due to the effects of long-term cold storage.

“Housewives, chefs, and consumers alike can distinguish between fresh Dominican chicken and its imported counterpart. This difference is evident even in processed foods like hamburgers,” noted the ADA.

Impact of Health Concerns

Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture announced a suspension of chicken imports from Brazil following an outbreak of avian flu at a commercial farm in the southern part of the country. This decision aligns with actions taken by 11 other countries to halt their purchases from Brazil.

Cabrera stated, “Our current production levels insulate us from overseas sanitary issues. If we solely depended on imports, particularly from the United States, where avian flu has been a persistent concern, we could be facing substantial supply shortages.”

Conclusion

While imports and local production coexist in the Dominican Republic’s poultry market, the country’s sector has consistently demonstrated its capacity to meet domestic demand. As consumer preferences lean heavily towards locally sourced chicken, the ongoing discussion about prioritizing national production continues to hold significant importance.

Source: Dominican Today