The Dominican government assures it will "firmly" defend its rice production against the U.S.

The Dominican government has pledged to defend its domestic rice production against competitive pressures from the United States. This stance follows the government's decision in September to repeal a decree that had previously imposed tariffs on imported rice, a move that has intensified the challenge of balancing international trade obligations with the protection of local agricultural interests.

At the center of the issue is the DR-Cafta trade agreement, which requires the Dominican Republic to facilitate the entry of U.S. rice into its market. Local producers have expressed concerns regarding their ability to remain competitive under these terms, prompting the government to announce new support measures aimed at bolstering the domestic sector while navigating its existing commercial commitments.