The Dominican Republic’s economy registered a year-on-year growth of 5.6% in September 2026, while the real gross domestic product (GDP) accumulated an expansion of 4.6% between January and September, according to figures presented by the Governor of the Central Bank, Héctor Valdez Albizu, during the commemorative event of the institution’s 79th anniversary.
According to the speech, the September result was linked to economic activity and the performance of different productive sectors, in a context in which the country maintains significant income flows from abroad.
Construction and services drive economic activity
Among the sectors that showed outstanding performance in the first nine months of the year, construction grew 8.2%, followed by financial services, which advanced 7.8%.
Mining and quarrying expanded by 5.2%, the hotel, bar and restaurant sector grew by 5.6%, local manufacturing increased by 3.4%, and free trade zones grew by 2.8%, according to the provided text.
These results reflect uneven performance among productive activities, with greater progress in construction and financial services.
Exports, tourism, and remittances strengthen foreign exchange earnings
The statements attributed to the Central Bank governor also highlighted external performance. Between January and September, total exports exceeded US$13.2 billion, while tourism revenue reached US$9.7 billion.
During the same period, remittances exceeded US$9.4 billion and foreign direct investment stood at approximately US$4.5 billion.
The text also notes that international reserves exceeded US$15.2 billion, equivalent to 5.4 months of imports.
Inflation, employment and monetary poverty
Regarding prices, the information provided indicates that year-on-year inflation fell from a peak of 5.67% in June to 5.12% in September. The projections cited point to a return to the target range of 4.0% ± 1.0% during the last quarter of 2026.
In the labor market, total employment reached 5,271,005 workers in the second quarter, a 2.9% year-on-year increase and about 147,000 additional jobs over twelve months.
The open unemployment rate stood at 5.3%, while monetary poverty was reported at 13.75%, according to the original text.
Growth projection for the end of 2026
Based on the information provided, the Central Bank estimates the Dominican economy will grow by about 4.5% by year-end. The report also projects that total foreign exchange earnings will reach approximately US$50.7 billion.
These forecasts point to a year-end of economic expansion and significant inflows of external resources. However, to assess the Dominican Republic’s position relative to other Latin American economies, compare it with updated regional projections.