U.S. blocks sugar imports from Dominican Republic, citing forced labor

The United States announced on Wednesday that it is blocking all sugar imports from the sugar company Central Romana Corporation in the Dominican Republic as it suspects the use of forced labor at its facilities. 

An investigation conducted by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) found that the sugar company allegedly conducted “inhumane practices,” including isolating workers, withholding wages, and fostering abusive work and living conditions. 

“Manufacturers like Central Romana, who fail to abide by our laws, will face consequences as we root out these inhumane practices from U.S. supply chains,” said AnnMarie Highsmith with the CBP’s Office of Trade.

Central Romana, sold in the U.S. under the brand Domino, is one of the largest sugar producers in the Dominican Republic, helping the country send more than $100 million worth of products to the U.S. every year. During last year’s harvest period, Central Romana produced nearly 400,000 tons of sugar.

While Central Romana has long faced these types of accusations, the company said in a statement that it received the news about the import ban with “great astonishment.” 

“In recent decades we have invested millions of dollars to improve the working and living conditions of our employees in agricultural areas, guaranteeing decent wages and increased benefits, training and education workshops, as well as training in human rights and duties of our workers,” it said.

The announcement of the ban comes after the U.S. Department of Labor placed sugarcane from the Dominican Republic on its list of goods produced by children or forced labor in September.