Dominican Republic - Country Commercial Guide
Automobile Parts

This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.

Last published date: 2022-12-05

Overview 

In the Dominican Republic, the demand for automotive spare parts is linked to the aging car population and the deterioration of local streets and roads.  For example, vehicles manufactured over five years ago represent 89.8 percent of vehicles in the DR; while vehicles manufactured less than 5 years ago only represent 10.2 percent.      

 

2021 

2022 

(estimated) 

Total Market Size 

516 

605 

Total Local Production 

10 

10 

Total Exports 

6 

6 

Total Imports 

512 

601 

Imports from the U.S. 

333 

391 

Unit: (Millions of U.S. Dollars) 

Exchange rate: RD$54.70 – US$1 

                                            Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Economic Indicators Division (USTradeOnline) 

Statistics from the Department of Economic Studies of the Internal Revenue Directorate of the Dominican Republic show that, as of December 2021, there are 5.2 million vehicles circulating in the Dominican Republic, reflecting a 7.4 percent increase from 2020.  

Out of this total vehicle population: 

  • 55.8 percent are motorcycles (2.9 Million) 

  • 20.3 percent are automobiles (569,000) 

  • 11.0 percent are SUV’s (1 Million) 

  • 9.3 percent are trucks and pick-up trucks (477,000) 

  • 3.6 percent are buses, heavy equipment, etc. (185,000) 

There is a significant car population imported from Asia, 62.9 percent of vehicles in the Dominican roads are made in Japan; 13.1 percent are made in South Korea, 11.5 percent are from the USA, and 6.6 percent from Europe.  Nevertheless, 65 percent of all automotive spare parts (including Asian products) are imported from the U.S. because of proximity and logistics considerations. Although there is local production of batteries and radiators, it only accounts for a small percentage of the total market, while imports supply the rest. 

Imported Vehicles 

 

 

Country of Origin 

Market Share 

Leading Brands 

Japan 

62.9 6% 

Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Suzuki 

South Korea 

13.1 % 

Hyundai, Kia, Ssangyong  

U.S. 

11.5% 

Ford, Chevrolet, Jeep 

Europe 

6.6% 

France: Renault, Peugeot 

Italy: Fiat 

Germany: Volkswagen, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Audi, Porsche 

Other countries 

5.9% 

 

Leading Sub-Sectors  

  • Automotive Tires and Tubes 

  • Batteries 

  • Electrical components 

  • Motorcycle spare parts  

  • Body parts and accessories   

  • Brakes and parts 

  • Drive-train parts (suspension shock absorbers, steering wheels) 

  • Engines and electrical parts for motor engines  

  • Used parts 

  • Diagnostic equipment 

Opportunities  

Because of the prevalence of Asian made vehicles in the Dominican vehicle population, importation of spare parts for those vehicles represents opportunities for American exporters.  Likewise, the large number of motorcycles in Dominican cities provides a constant demand for motorcycle spare parts. 

Resources