Dominican Republic: Sweet Potato Market 2025

Sweet Potato Market Size in the Dominican Republic

In 2021, after five years of growth, there was significant decline in the Dominican sweet potato market, when its value decreased by -7.3% to $X. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +3.9% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Sweet potato consumption peaked at $X in 2020, and then shrank in the following year.

Sweet Potato Production in the Dominican Republic

In value terms, sweet potato production skyrocketed to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, the total production indicated a perceptible expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.6% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production increased by +92.8% against 2015 indices. As a result, production reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In 2021, the average sweet potato yield in the Dominican Republic declined to X tons per ha, which is down by -5% compared with the previous year. Overall, the yield continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when the yield increased by 3.6% against the previous year. As a result, the yield attained the peak level of X tons per ha. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of the average sweet potato yield remained at a somewhat lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

The sweet potato harvested area in the Dominican Republic was estimated at X ha in 2021, growing by 3.1% against the previous year's figure. The harvested area increased at an average annual rate of +3.4% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when the harvested area increased by 16%. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to sweet potato production reached the peak figure in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in the near future.

Sweet Potato Exports

Exports from the Dominican Republic

In 2021, shipments abroad of sweet potatoes was finally on the rise to reach X tons after two years of decline. In general, exports, however, showed a perceptible curtailment. The exports peaked at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, sweet potato exports rose significantly to $X in 2021. Overall, total exports indicated a temperate expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.5% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, exports decreased by -30.7% against 2018 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when exports increased by 46%. The exports peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

The United States (X tons) was the main destination for sweet potato exports from the Dominican Republic, with a 69% share of total exports. It was followed by Belgium (X tons), with a 1.6% share of total exports. British Virgin Islands (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 1.3% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to the United States totaled +4.5%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Belgium (+1,208.9% per year) and British Virgin Islands (+19.6% per year).

In value terms, the United States ($X) remains the key foreign market for sweet potatoes exports from the Dominican Republic, comprising 92% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Belgium ($X), with a 3.2% share of total exports. It was followed by France, with a 1.9% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to the United States totaled +4.2%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Belgium (+916.8% per year) and France (+3.1% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average sweet potato export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, declining by -22.1% against the previous year. In general, export price indicated a resilient expansion from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +5.8% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when the average export price increased by 39% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Belgium ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to British Virgin Islands ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Haiti (+8.1%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Sweet Potato Imports

Imports into the Dominican Republic

Sweet potato imports into the Dominican Republic soared to X tons in 2021, growing by 64% on the previous year. Overall, imports recorded a significant expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when imports increased by 337% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, sweet potato imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. In general, imports recorded a significant expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when imports increased by 337% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2021, the United States (X tons) constituted the largest sweet potato supplier to the Dominican Republic, with a 88% share of total imports. Moreover, sweet potato imports from the United States exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Belgium (X tons), eightfold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from the United States totaled +40.0%.

In value terms, the United States ($X) constituted the largest supplier of sweet potatoes to the Dominican Republic, comprising 90% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Belgium ($X), with a 9.6% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from the United States stood at +43.8%.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average sweet potato import price amounted to $X per ton, waning by -8.1% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.5%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when the average import price increased by 29% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2020, and then contracted in the following year.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($X per ton), while the price for Belgium amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+2.7%).

Source: IndexBox Platform

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